Barbara's bookshelf: all en-US Thu, 26 Sep 2024 02:56:08 -0700 60 Barbara's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Ilya 219500045
Ilya hadn’t imagined that attending his sister’s wedding would mean being imprisoned in the family home. For the last month, he’s been put through conversion therapy by a ruthless bastard, employed by his father, who’s determined to beat the gay out of him. Ilya plans to make a break for it while the wedding is in full swing. Fate is on his side when he catches a guest stealing his stepmother’s necklace. Ilya blackmails the thief: he’ll hand over the necklace for a ride out of there.

A tragic mistake in Julien’s past led to his life and future disintegrating. Now he can’t break free of the gangster he feels forced to work for. So when the cocky young Russian propositions him at the wedding, he has no choice. He needs that necklace back. His life and that of others depend on it� But Ilya’s presence upsets Julien’s plans at every turn. He can’t afford to make mistakes, but somehow he finds himself saddled with this flirty problem who’s pushing all his buttons. How can he make Ilya understand he’s not gay?

Except the more time they spend together, the more Julien questions a lot of the choices he’s made. Maybe they can keep each other safe. Either that or they'll die trying.

Warning : Homophobia, conversion therapy, violence, guns, injury, death of a sibling]]> 268 Barbara Elsborg Barbara 0
It’s not safe to be gay in Russia and Arkady isn’t as carefully out as he should be. But what crime has he committed to result in him being abducted and locked away in a conversion clinic? Time passes and he despairs of ever being released. When he falls ill and is transferred to a hospital, he sees a chance to escape. But how, when he has no clothes, no money, no phone and no ID?

Gav has orders to rescue Arkady not fall for him. Oops. But there’s just something about the thin, pale guy that tugs at Gav’s heart. Fighting his attraction is a battle he loses. But he can’t leave Russia and Arkady has to. What future could they possibly have?
]]> 3.81 2024 Ilya
author: Barbara Elsborg
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/26
shelves:
review:
I'm using this facility to tell you that there is free book - if you'd please sign up to get my newsletters!! - available on Bookfunnel. It's called Taken and it's the story of Arkady, one of Ilya's friends.

It’s not safe to be gay in Russia and Arkady isn’t as carefully out as he should be. But what crime has he committed to result in him being abducted and locked away in a conversion clinic? Time passes and he despairs of ever being released. When he falls ill and is transferred to a hospital, he sees a chance to escape. But how, when he has no clothes, no money, no phone and no ID?

Gav has orders to rescue Arkady not fall for him. Oops. But there’s just something about the thin, pale guy that tugs at Gav’s heart. Fighting his attraction is a battle he loses. But he can’t leave Russia and Arkady has to. What future could they possibly have?

]]> Notorious (IOU #5) 208692718
Before I met Velvet the Cowboy, the public knew me as an innocuous guy who was running for office.

Now I’ve gone from boring to notorious in twenty-four hours.

The hot stranger’s ring on my finger puts a damper on my political ambitions, since his day job isn’t voter-friendly. An annulment is a no-go, and a quickie divorce would make me look unreliable.

In any case, when I find out Velvet’s dark plans, I know I can’t let him out of my sight. Which means I’m taking a gorgeous, 6�6�, slow-talking cowboy home with me to protect him from himself.

Being with him might light my career on fire. I’m just not expecting it to do the same to my heart.

Notorious is a stand-alone contemporary romance about Johnny Haskell, a cowboy turned adult star who stops to pet every good dog (and they’re all good dogs), and Kurt Delmont, a senatorial candidate who wants to save the world. It features recovery from a mental health crisis, healing from old wounds, and love that takes these two by surprise. This book contains sensitive themes; a detailed description of the contents is in the author’s note in the book preview. Happily ever after guaranteed.]]> 378 Leslie McAdam Barbara 5
Kurt and Johnny are a perfect match. Johnny has so many issues � and it’s important to read the author’s carefully worded trigger warnings before you immerse yourself in the story. Johnny, the hot shot porn star � ex porn star� is on the point of suicide and his saviour comes in the form of the lovely, slightly klutzy, what am I doing with my life Kurt. Then follows their long journey to happiness and though it has its ups and downs, their love shines through.

It’s a beautifully written story, deeply emotional and touching, that comes from the author’s heart. At times a painful read, but a very worthwhile one.
]]> 4.40 Notorious (IOU #5)
author: Leslie McAdam
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/25
shelves:
review:
I’ve read � I woke up unexpectedly married to � � stories before, but this one is very different and all the better for it. The author managed to convince me that it was possible for two drunk guys to get hitched and that was an achievement in itself. Because� Ms Skeptical here!

Kurt and Johnny are a perfect match. Johnny has so many issues � and it’s important to read the author’s carefully worded trigger warnings before you immerse yourself in the story. Johnny, the hot shot porn star � ex porn star� is on the point of suicide and his saviour comes in the form of the lovely, slightly klutzy, what am I doing with my life Kurt. Then follows their long journey to happiness and though it has its ups and downs, their love shines through.

It’s a beautifully written story, deeply emotional and touching, that comes from the author’s heart. At times a painful read, but a very worthwhile one.

]]> The Way We Were 11069831 nan 464 Elizabeth Noble 1408486717 Barbara 2 3.40 The Way We Were
author: Elizabeth Noble
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.40
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2011/09/21
date added: 2024/05/06
shelves:
review:
Two and half stars. From all the comments on the book I expected it to make me cry - I'm a weeper - but it didn't. It reminded me of One Day - in the sense of chances missed for love but whereas in One Day the hero and heroine did have their moment in the sun, that wasn't the case with 'The way we were'. Whilst I'm not fond of uber-macho heroines, I really wish Susannah had stood up for herself a little more. Why stay with a guy you clearly don't love? For most of the book!!! I think there were too few moments of lightness and humor to make up for the overall depressing tone of the story. Yes, it ends on an upbeat note, but there was too much that depressed me to give me that 'aaahhh' feeling at the end.
]]> Fen 210994574
Fen is broken but does his best to hide the cracks. His life-changing condition might have stolen his first love—ballet, but he’s kind to old ladies, good at his job, and his mum loves him, even if his famous father refuses to acknowledge he exists.

Ripley’s a top flight barrister who’s used to winning. Mostly by fair means, occasionally not. He’s horrified when he learns his manipulative mother has sent family possessions to an auction house. On his way to retrieve them, he encounters Fen.

Cold, rain-soaked and hungry, struggling with his crutch and auction acquisitions, Fen just wants to get home. What he doesn’t want is to be drenched by a car and minutes later, confronted by the bad-tempered driver demanding he hand over his purchases. Hell no!

Ripley gets back his belongings but finds he wants more. Blue-eyed Fen has sparked something to life. Even as his barrister’s brain screams at him to be careful, he makes Fen an outrageous offer. Sleep with me for money. Fen should say no. Yet as he weighs his options, he realises turning Ripley down could be the biggest regret of his life.

In a tale where the pieces don’t always fit, can two imperfect men mend what’s broken in each other?

Warning
Main character with a life-limiting illness. Suicide of a character before story starts. Brief mention of rape and suicide of a man not in the story.]]> 302 Barbara Elsborg Barbara 0

I've edited this comment to take into account a comment in the reviews below. I'm not able to respond directly to that person as they haven't enabled that facility but I don't want people to be put off reading Fen because they think he's going to die or that this is a sad story. No main character has ever died in one of my books.
Beckers Muscular Dystrophy is described by me and by online medical articles as life-limiting and not terminal which is why I used that term. The life expectancy varies from person to person. ]]> 4.24 2024 Fen
author: Barbara Elsborg
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/18
shelves:
review:
I have written a prequel to this story - which is available to read for free on Book Funnel. This is the link


I've edited this comment to take into account a comment in the reviews below. I'm not able to respond directly to that person as they haven't enabled that facility but I don't want people to be put off reading Fen because they think he's going to die or that this is a sad story. No main character has ever died in one of my books.
Beckers Muscular Dystrophy is described by me and by online medical articles as life-limiting and not terminal which is why I used that term. The life expectancy varies from person to person.
]]> The Girls 23346635 The House We Grew Up In and The Third Wife.

You live on a picturesque communal garden square, an oasis in urban London where your children run free, in and out of other people’s houses.

You’ve known your neighbours for years and you trust them. Implicitly.

You think your children are safe.

But are they really?

Midsummer night: a thirteen-year-old girl is found unconscious in a dark corner of the garden square. What really happened to her? And who is responsible?

Utterly believable characters, a gripping story and a dark secret buried at its core: this is Lisa Jewell at her heart-stopping best.]]> 407 Lisa Jewell 1780893590 Barbara 0 to-read 3.63 2015 The Girls
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.63
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at: 2016/06/04
date added: 2024/01/21
shelves: to-read
review:
I love Lisa Jewell. I've read all her books. Liked some more than others. This is one I didn't like as much as the others. It did feel very different to the style of her earlier books. I suppose I'd hoped for a bit of a love story but this is a tale about relationships and families and trust. It was well crafted but not a book I'd keep to read again. The theme of trust was woven throughout the story - how far do you trust your husband, family, siblings, children, neighbours etc. It was like a murder mystery without the murder. Not spoiling the plot (because this info is on the back) to say a girl is found unconscious in a garden - so how did she get there? Who did it? I didn't find it hard to guess.
]]> Hold On (Fate We Make #2) 199206667
Ren narrowly survives the most dangerous situation of his life, but at least his attackers think he’s dead. Spending the summer stuck on his brother’s archaeological dig isn’t his idea of fun, but it beats being fussed over by his mother. It’s as good a place as any to heal physical and mental scars, and he has plenty of those.

The roar of Ren’s motorbike is his lifeline, the one thing that makes him feel truly alive. But a moment’s lapse in concentration and he knocks Dominic off his feet. The accident brings together two damaged souls whose pasts won’t stay buried. With danger on their tail, hanging on to hope—and to each other—won’t be easy.

Join Dominic and Ren as they fight to keep the shadows of the past at bay and their future bright. In a world where love is fragile, two hearts learning to heal may just discover love is worth the risk.

WARNING
Please note that one of the main characters in the story is in prison for murder. Sexual, physical and psychological abuse of a child is mentioned but no on-page detail is given. Sexual abuse of an adult is also mentioned but not shown on-page. Suicide is also mentioned in passing but not part of the story.]]> 332 Barbara Elsborg Barbara 0 I hope you enjoy this . It's been written during a period of high angst for me personally which has eaten into my writing time. But Dominic and Ren are a lovely pair and they deserve their happy ever after.

As always - please pay attention to the warning.

Merged review:

Hi everyone! This is the second in the Fate We Make series and follows up on Col's brother Dominic plus a new character. This can be read as a standalone. But if you want to know what happens prior to this, then He's The One is the book to read.
I hope you enjoy this . It's been written during a period of high angst for me personally which has eaten into my writing time. But Dominic and Ren are a lovely pair and they deserve their happy ever after.

As always - please pay attention to the warning.]]> 4.18 2023 Hold On (Fate We Make #2)
author: Barbara Elsborg
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/01/15
shelves:
review:
Hi everyone! This is the second in the Fate We Make series and follows up on Col's brother Dominic plus a new character. This can be read as a standalone. But if you want to know what happens prior to this, then He's The One is the book to read.
I hope you enjoy this . It's been written during a period of high angst for me personally which has eaten into my writing time. But Dominic and Ren are a lovely pair and they deserve their happy ever after.

As always - please pay attention to the warning.

Merged review:

Hi everyone! This is the second in the Fate We Make series and follows up on Col's brother Dominic plus a new character. This can be read as a standalone. But if you want to know what happens prior to this, then He's The One is the book to read.
I hope you enjoy this . It's been written during a period of high angst for me personally which has eaten into my writing time. But Dominic and Ren are a lovely pair and they deserve their happy ever after.

As always - please pay attention to the warning.
]]> <![CDATA[The Evergreen Falls Christmas Wish List]]> 199479090 87 Lee Quail Barbara 4 This is a charming story of lost love � in more than one sense � and a story of hope. Evergreen Falls is a little town where everyone knows everyone else. A friendly, cosy place where young boys were once pulled apart and where those grown-up boys are now going to be pushed back together. Sir in a bit of magic and the town’s tradition of sharing Christmas wishes is going to change lives.

A feel-good Christmas story.]]> 3.80 The Evergreen Falls Christmas Wish List
author: Lee Quail
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/11/15
shelves:
review:
What’s not to love about Ethan, Alex and Pete? What’s not to love about the idea of a Christmas wish coming true? And that cover! One of the loveliest I’ve seen.
This is a charming story of lost love � in more than one sense � and a story of hope. Evergreen Falls is a little town where everyone knows everyone else. A friendly, cosy place where young boys were once pulled apart and where those grown-up boys are now going to be pushed back together. Sir in a bit of magic and the town’s tradition of sharing Christmas wishes is going to change lives.

A feel-good Christmas story.
]]> <![CDATA[Second-Best Men (Rossingley world)]]> 62991334
Tucked away down a rutted dirt track resides a grumpy dairy farmer who lives his life firmly in the closet.

And secretly, he's desperately lonely.

That farmer is me—Rob Langford. I have more meaningful conversations with my prize bull than people. Except, one snowy night, I stumble across a fancy car wedged into a ditch.

The driver needs my help.

He’s injured. Stranded. The snow lies two feet deep.

And over the next few days, I discover this quiet, thoughtful man doesn’t mind my run-down cottage and my lumpy old sofa. He's even quite tolerant of my smelly arthritic dog.

Strong. Handsome. Self-possessed.

A man who knows what he wants. In bed and out of it. And bizarrely, that thing is me.

But, of course, to be what he needs, I have to step out of the shadows. And into his life.]]> 162 Fearne Hill Barbara 5 Not only are the main characters wonderful, the cast of secondary ones are too, many of whom we’ve met in the Rossingley books, though there is no need to have read those to enjoy this one.
It’s not just the people who are great in this story. Zeus the dog, the herd of cows and the cockerel all play a role. It’s full of heart, and humour, but touches the soul because the two main characters are not out, for very different reasons. We’re taken on their journey towards understanding what they are, what they need to be and I loved it, start to finish.
]]> 3.91 Second-Best Men (Rossingley world)
author: Fearne Hill
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/11/13
shelves:
review:
Thoroughly charming from start to finish. The author’s prose is so smooth and easy to read and her character are so well drawn, you feel as if they’re in the room with you. I wish they were.
Not only are the main characters wonderful, the cast of secondary ones are too, many of whom we’ve met in the Rossingley books, though there is no need to have read those to enjoy this one.
It’s not just the people who are great in this story. Zeus the dog, the herd of cows and the cockerel all play a role. It’s full of heart, and humour, but touches the soul because the two main characters are not out, for very different reasons. We’re taken on their journey towards understanding what they are, what they need to be and I loved it, start to finish.

]]> <![CDATA[He's The One (Fate We Make #1)]]> 175960886
Theo, unwilling heir to the ancient Asquith Hall estate, is desperate to gain some independence from his overbearing family. Despite his efforts to live up to the role he never wanted, he’s constantly battling to earn his family’s respect. Being made to feel lacking takes its toll, and sometimes, it’s hard to stay happy.

When a near fatal accident forces their paths to cross, Col and Theo discover in each other the connection both have been craving. As their love story unfolds, so do the secrets and sadness hidden at the heart of Asquith Hall. The past can’t be changed, but with Col’s stonemasonry skills and Theo’s determination, they might just be able to restore what’s broken and find happiness.

Warning � historical child abuse (no on-page detail), descriptions of violence, horrible parents and lovely parents, wayward brothers and a young man who never has an unspoken thought.]]> 381 Barbara Elsborg Barbara 0
Merged review:

Obviously, I'm not rating my own book BUT if you liked Jonty - you'll meet a guy like him in this book!]]> 4.13 2023 He's The One (Fate We Make #1)
author: Barbara Elsborg
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/06/29
shelves:
review:
Obviously, I'm not rating my own book BUT if you liked Jonty - you'll meet a guy like him in this book!

Merged review:

Obviously, I'm not rating my own book BUT if you liked Jonty - you'll meet a guy like him in this book!
]]> <![CDATA[Dirty Sexy Stupid Love (The Rourke Stories)]]> 168844619
But life, as he knows it, is about to change, and not even Harry can stop the tsunami of feelings when he finally realises that he’s allowed to be happy. That he’s just as loveable as people like…Owen Cartwright.

Owen is large and loud and calls everyone babes , while Harry can’t even string a coherent sentence together, let alone get through the day without life punching him in the face.

But perhaps sometimes being exactly who you are can be why people fall in love with you.
Even if you’re not gay. At all.

Author's note: This book is set in the UK. The novel is edited and proofed using British English.]]> 198 Sophia Soames Barbara 5 There is a lovely HEA! And this is a book about friendship, perseverance and a lesson in how love conquers all. Owen and Harry have been made for each other and the book was a delight from beginning to end.]]> 4.31 Dirty Sexy Stupid Love (The Rourke Stories)
author: Sophia Soames
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2023/06/25
date added: 2023/06/25
shelves:
review:
Sophia Soames does such a good job of making us fall in love with all her characters - except for Harry's horrible mother and father who we allowed to detest. What obnoxious human beings! But Harry and Owen - the heroes of the story - well they are the exact opposite. Yes, Harry takes his time to come to understand his feelings and the author does a great job of showing up how difficult that journey is.
There is a lovely HEA! And this is a book about friendship, perseverance and a lesson in how love conquers all. Owen and Harry have been made for each other and the book was a delight from beginning to end.
]]> <![CDATA[Of Genies and Sea Monsters (Sorcerers in Love #1)]]> 25545114 A riotous m/m romance hot, quirky and side-splitting by turns, featuring monsters, ghouls and associated beings all looking for love. 12,594 words]]> 83 Scarlet Blackwell Barbara 5 3.17 2015 Of Genies and Sea Monsters (Sorcerers in Love #1)
author: Scarlet Blackwell
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/18
date added: 2023/05/18
shelves:
review:
I loved this! Very different from the author's other books. Very different to most MM books. There is a fairytale theme to the story and to the writing. But it worked for me. Clever!
]]> Apathy 6761029 28 Scarlet Blackwell Barbara 5 3.13 2009 Apathy
author: Scarlet Blackwell
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.13
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/18
date added: 2023/05/18
shelves:
review:
A shortish story where you want to knock a couple of heads together! But believable. Beautifully written with a lovely ending.
]]> Boys Don't Cry 55440814 0 Fíona Scarlett 0571365205 Barbara 5 4.28 2021 Boys Don't Cry
author: Fíona Scarlett
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2023/05/18
date added: 2023/05/18
shelves:
review:
Well this was a heartbreaking story. Beautifully observed. I loved it.
]]> Sorrow and Bliss 49110165
Martha told Patrick before they got married that she didn't want to have children. He said he didn't mind either way because he has loved her since he was fourteen and making her happy is all that matters, although he does not seem able to do it.

By the time Martha finds out what is wrong, it doesn't really matter anymore. It is too late to get the only thing she has ever wanted. Or maybe it will turn out that you can stop loving someone and start again from nothing - if you can find something else to want.]]> 352 Meg Mason Barbara 1
Did we read the same book? This was a journey into mental illness and the damage is does to the person who has it and everyone around them. Plenty of SORROW but where was the BLISS? I ploughed through it - some bits were poignant - until I reached the -- where the author had left a marker for the name of the illness. Odd, I thought until at the end we are told it was made up. I feel disgusted to be honest, aggrieved on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness. WHY did she have to make it up?? What purpose was there? I loathed the main character. Despite her having -- I had no sympathy for her. I had little sympathy for any of them. Bitterly disappointed. A waste of money and my time reading it. ]]> 4.07 2020 Sorrow and Bliss
author: Meg Mason
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2020
rating: 1
read at: 2023/05/18
date added: 2023/05/18
shelves:
review:
This was a book club book for me. I thought it sounded interesting. I looked at the multitude of comments from well known publications and other authors. 'Impossible not to laugh out loud' 'raucously funny' 'jaw-droppingly funny'

Did we read the same book? This was a journey into mental illness and the damage is does to the person who has it and everyone around them. Plenty of SORROW but where was the BLISS? I ploughed through it - some bits were poignant - until I reached the -- where the author had left a marker for the name of the illness. Odd, I thought until at the end we are told it was made up. I feel disgusted to be honest, aggrieved on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness. WHY did she have to make it up?? What purpose was there? I loathed the main character. Despite her having -- I had no sympathy for her. I had little sympathy for any of them. Bitterly disappointed. A waste of money and my time reading it.
]]> The Castaways 52779734 WISH YOU WERE HERE?
THINK AGAIN�

It should be like any other holiday.

Beautiful beaches.
Golden sunsets.
Nothing for miles.

You’ll never want to leave.
Until you can’t…]]> 416 Lucy Clarke 0008334129 Barbara 0
I have mixed feelings about this book. I did find it a page turner but maybe not for the right reasons. Overall, I enjoyed it but there was one thing at the end that irritated me so much, I can't stop thinking about it. Where in the world could you start a new existence without any paperwork, with no excuse for having no paperwork?
I get that the rescuers had enough money given to them to keep them quiet. Mike had his own reasons - slightly shaky - for keeping quiet, but the authorities gave up far too fast in looking for the plane. But I can forgive all that - but not the - here am I, emaciated, sunburnt, with a baby and I have no interest in going back to the country I came from? Nor any way of proving who I am. Wouldn't the authorities in FIJI find that strange?

]]> 3.88 2021 The Castaways
author: Lucy Clarke
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2022/12/17
date added: 2022/12/17
shelves:
review:
Do NOT read if you're not finished the book!

I have mixed feelings about this book. I did find it a page turner but maybe not for the right reasons. Overall, I enjoyed it but there was one thing at the end that irritated me so much, I can't stop thinking about it. Where in the world could you start a new existence without any paperwork, with no excuse for having no paperwork?
I get that the rescuers had enough money given to them to keep them quiet. Mike had his own reasons - slightly shaky - for keeping quiet, but the authorities gave up far too fast in looking for the plane. But I can forgive all that - but not the - here am I, emaciated, sunburnt, with a baby and I have no interest in going back to the country I came from? Nor any way of proving who I am. Wouldn't the authorities in FIJI find that strange?


]]> Red Sparrow 52636362 Now a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton!

From the New York Times bestselling author and veteran CIA officer Jason Matthews comes the electrifying modern spy thriller Red Sparrow.

In contemporary Russia, state intelligence officer Dominika Egorova has been drafted to become a "Sparrow"--a spy trained in the art of seduction to elicit information from their marks. She's been assigned to Nathaniel Nash, a CIA officer who handles the organization's most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence. The two young intelligence officers, trained in their respective spy schools, collide in a charged atmosphere of tradecraft, deception and, inevitably, a forbidden spiral of carnal attraction that threatens their careers and the security of America's valuable mole in Moscow.

For fans of John le Carré and Ian Fleming and featuring "high-level espionage, pulse-pounding danger, sex, double agents, and double crosses" (Nelson DeMille), Red Sparrow is a timely and electrifying thriller that is impossible to put down.]]> Jason Matthews 1509467440 Barbara 4 4.24 2013 Red Sparrow
author: Jason Matthews
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2020/05/17
date added: 2022/10/30
shelves:
review:
Overall I enjoyed this book but gosh, it was long and I did get confused several times as to who was who. But i'm a sucker for stories about Russia and espionage and this book did deliver. I have no idea how realistic it was and I don't really care. The story kept me reading to see what would happen. There were twists and turns I hadn't seen coming though the pace was sometimes too slow. Not keen on the recipes - which seemed out of place in story but I just ignored those. I liked the MCs - the romance - such as it was - worked for me.
]]> The Heights 58438600
But that can’t be because he’s been dead for over two years. You know this for a fact.

Because you’re the one who killed him.]]> 416 Louise Candlish 1982174129 Barbara 0 It flipped around time wise too and it was often confusing. I didn't like the twist. I didn't like the story. ]]> 3.59 2021 The Heights
author: Louise Candlish
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2022/06/26
date added: 2022/06/26
shelves:
review:
I had such trouble reading this book. I am a fast reader but I just couldn't read this one quickly. It felt like one of those TV shows that makes me feel uncomfortable all the way through! My biggest issue was with the absolutely repellant main character. NOTHING redeeming about her. I realise that the reader is supposed to be questioning what she does but I didn't care! It's hard to say much without spoiling the plot but what happened in this story, happened to a close friend of mine. Slightly different but in many ways the same. And yes, my friend went through some of the same emotions but not the vitriolic hatred and obsession of the woman in this story.
It flipped around time wise too and it was often confusing. I didn't like the twist. I didn't like the story.
]]> Jonty and Devan's Big Day 61094465
Devan’s not going to let his mother spoil their perfect day. Suddenly, he’s a man on a mission. The venue? Booked. The guest list? A secret. The stag do? In Cato’s somewhat dodgy hands. Devan’s going to do whatever it takes to make sure Jonty gets what he wants. Even if that includes alpacas and penguins and the Northern Lights in the middle of summer. Now it’s time to prove he is the Best Fiancé in the Entire Multiverse.]]> 144 Barbara Elsborg Barbara 0 The Making of Jonty Bloom
Jonty's Christmas
Jonty in Russia
Jonty's Halloween
Jonty and Devan's Big Day

and I intend to write one more!]]> 4.48 2022 Jonty and Devan's Big Day
author: Barbara Elsborg
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/17
shelves:
review:
Just a heads up that this book is one of a series about Jonty Bloom. Best read in order! Def. need to read Jonty's Halloween before you read the free snippet on Prolific works - see my website for details.
The Making of Jonty Bloom
Jonty's Christmas
Jonty in Russia
Jonty's Halloween
Jonty and Devan's Big Day

and I intend to write one more!
]]> The Night She Disappeared 56125938 'The Night She Disappeared is by far her best thriller yet.' HARLAN COBEN'Insane suspense. I loved it.' LEE CHILD'A gothic, multi-layered tale, deeply satisfying. We both loved it.' RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUBThe Night She Disappeared is UNBELIEVABLY good. I was utterly utterly agog.' MARIAN KEYES___________________________A cold case. An abandoned mansion. A family hiding a terrible secret. Prepare to be hooked. Lisa Jewell's latest thriller is her best yet.Midsummer 2017: teenage mum Tallulah heads out on a date, leaving her baby son at home with her mother, Kim.At 11 p.m. she sends her mum a text message. At 4.30 a.m. Kim awakens to discover that Tallulah has not come home.Friends tell her that Tallulah was last seen heading to a pool party at a house in the woods nearby called Dark Place.Tallulah never returns.2018: walking in the woods behind the boarding school where her boyfriend has just started as a head teacher, Sophie sees a sign nailed to a fence.A sign that DIG HERE . . .___________________________'No one thickens a plot like Lisa Jewell. I couldn't put this book down. Jewell just keeps getting better. It's SO GOOD!' SHARI LAPENA'Absolutely loved this one by Lisa Jewell - compelling, deep, surprising, tense, modern. Most thrillers are in black and white to me in terms of character and Lisa is blazing saturated technicolour.' GILLIAN MCALLISTER'Masterly. Gripping from start to finish.' JOANNE HARRIS'I'm calling it early. This is Lisa's best book yet, and she always sets that bar high! Stayed up so late because I couldn't put it down.' ADELE PARKS'Oh my God, so good. A head-scratching, heart-racing, page-turning triumph - I think this might be my favourite Lisa Jewell yet.' LOUISE CANDLISH'I swear her books are masterclasses for authors. Every time I read one, I'm in awe. I loved this one so much - clever, slick and so intriguing. Lots of emotion and I love how all the sub-plots come together. #bowdowntoLisa' MEL SHERRATT'Another first-class mystery . . . Totally enthralling.' HARRIET TYCE'I predict another number one.' ERIN KELLY'Once again Lisa Jewell has knocked it out of the park. Another masterclass in thriller writing from one of the world's most consistently brilliant authors. I was superglued to the pages.' MARK EDWARDS'Totally absorbing. I felt as though I'd slipped into the book and lived there for a few days, heart pounding. So so so amazing!' KATHERINE HEINY'Intriguing and wonderfully dark' THE SUN'I'm passionately attached to Lisa Jewell, whose novels somehow manage to be]]> 476 Lisa Jewell Barbara 2 4.40 2021 The Night She Disappeared
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:
Ultimately, I was a bit disappointed. I like Lisa Jewell but this book seemed to go on and on, switching between POVs and a shortish time period. It was a strain to keep track. The moment she lost me was when one of her main characters who writes cosy mysteries, didn't remember a plot point of her first book. I just could not believe that and the silly thing was that had she acknowledged it, it would have made little difference to the story. But it just irritated me. As did the whole plot. I didn't buy it because of the accolades of the many writers I admire, but I have to wonder if they ever read the book. She has written MUCH better than this.
]]> The Night She Disappeared 55922299
One year later, a writer moves into a cottage on the edge of the woods that border the same estate. Known locally as the Dark Place, the dense forest is the writer’s favorite area for long walks and it’s on one such walk that she stumbles upon a mysterious note that simply reads, “DIG HERE.�

Could this be a clue towards what has happened to the missing young couple? And what exactly is buried in this haunted ground?]]> 416 Lisa Jewell 1982137363 Barbara 2 4.05 2021 The Night She Disappeared
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2022/04/16
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Brushed With Love (Surfing the Waves, #1)]]> 60180408 Clement Constantine Church is a hot mess. With deadlines to meet.
Whereas the striking Viking redecorating his seaside cottage is simply hot.

As a precocious teen, Clem wrote a best seller. Now he writes for other people. Too busy contemplating his bleak career and panicking about pretty much everything, he doesn’t notice that the gorgeous surfer slapping paint across his bedroom walls has a top-notch flirting game. Nor that the body hidden underneath his white overalls should come with its own government health warning.

Anyhow, apparently the Viking is straight.

After one too many unwise hookups, Ragnar Aleksander Sigurdson Eggebraaten needs to lay low and avoid romantic entanglements. Which means there is zero chance he’d ever fall for a lonely writer. Not even if they pretend to be fake boyfriends during a weekend trip to London. Not even if there was only one bed. And especially not if he’s planning on leaving England at the end of summer to fulfil his dream of setting up a surf school.

Can surfer Vikings fall unexpectedly in love? Are failed writers allowed to write their own happily ever afters?

Brushed With Love is a warm and funny romance set in the UK. Trigger warnings include cosmic lizards, feisty octogenarians, and a spoiled shih tzu.]]> 269 Fearne Hill Barbara 5 4.10 2022 Brushed With Love (Surfing the Waves, #1)
author: Fearne Hill
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/01/30
date added: 2022/02/28
shelves:
review:
How did I manage to write a review, then lose it?? Ugh. A lovely story of opposites attract set in one of the most beautiful counties in England. Surfer dude is a hoot! The book is full of humour, longing and lust! I defy anyone to read this and not end up smiling.
]]> <![CDATA[Someone Perfect (Westcott, #9)]]> 57280561 Sometimes, just one person can pull a whole family apart. And sometimes, it just takes one person to pull it back together.

As a young man, Justin Wiley was banished by his father for mysterious reasons, but now, his father is dead, and Justin has been Earl of Brandon for six years. A dark, dour man, he, nonetheless, takes it as his responsibility to care for his half-sister, Maria, when her mother dies. He travels to her home to fetch her back to the family seat at Everleigh Park.

Although she adored him, once, Maria now loathes Justin, and her friend, Lady Estelle Lamarr, can see, immediately, how his very name upsets her. When Justin arrives and invites Estelle and her brother to accompany Maria to Everleigh Park to help with her distress, she begrudgingly agrees, for Maria's sake.

As family secrets unravel in Maria's homecoming, Justin, too, uncovers his desire for a countess. And, while he may believe he's found an obvious candidate in the beautiful 25-year-old Lady Estelle, she is most certain that they could never make a match...]]> 429 Mary Balogh 0593335317 Barbara 0 BUT still Mary's lovely writing and I did love Justin!]]> 4.16 2021 Someone Perfect (Westcott, #9)
author: Mary Balogh
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/01/25
shelves:
review:
Let me tell you how many ways I love Mary Balogh's books. It would take too long. I have a huge shelf full of them! She used to be an auto-buy but I'd gone off Regency romances over the past couple of years so I've not read any for that length of time. Then comes this book. I assumed I'd love it. I didn't. I'm so upset with myself. BUT - so many characters that I had no chance of keeping up with who was who. Whole pages devoted to telling us who was who and I found myself skipping. A lot of description and for me it went on too long. Not a lot happened - at all - apart from a lot of people going to a houseparty with a small subplot and that was sweet. I like the main characters but some of the plot points were annoying. I don't want to spoil the story so I won't give details but to not know where one certain thing was, and for no servants to know who could so easily have pointed it out... unlikely. As was the resolution of the rift.
BUT still Mary's lovely writing and I did love Justin!
]]> How to Bed a Rock Star 60145936 A nice guy meets a tortured rock star—what are the odds they end up together? Close to nil, right? But sometimes an open heart and mind can work miracles.


Karim successfully helped Trevor and Chao get their love story on the right tracks. He even moved to Paris on their suggestion. Now he’s jobless and all alone in the big city because Trevor and Chao are off on an important quest and Dirk has joined his aunt Karin in Sweden.


Karim’s only spark of hope is an unexpected mission: play chauffeur for a famous rock star. That is, “famous� � Karim only likes 80s tunes, so he doesn’t have a clue who this guy really is. And honestly? You couldn’t say they hit it off immediately. The man who calls himself Angel Dust is surly, withdrawn, haughty, outright hostile. He also turns out to be� stunningly handsome. Karim’s dream guy.


Ugh. Nothing can come out of this encounter. A chauffeur and his illustrious client, both from different worlds, with clashing characters� And yet, to get into a rock star’s bed might not be the most difficult thing on earth (you can ask any groupie out there). To get into his head and heart? Did someone say impossible?


This is the second summer romance of the Light Hearts series.

]]> 210 Dieter Moitzi Barbara 5 A well-written, light-hearted romp of a story about a guy who ends up taking care of a depressed rock star. The dialogue is fun, there are some hilarious lines, astute observation plus moments of heartfelt clarity coming often enough to make this a story that lingers long after the last page. Karim is the sort of guy you’d want to look after you and he handles Angelo perfectly. Both damaged guys, in a way, who took this happy reader along on their journey to a happy ever after. The book is a little different, the tone perfect, the pace well-judged. I hadn’t read book one so I didn’t know the characters mentioned at the start, but I’ll soon rectify that.
]]> 4.71 2022 How to Bed a Rock Star
author: Dieter Moitzi
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.71
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/01/25
date added: 2022/01/25
shelves:
review:
4.5 stars
A well-written, light-hearted romp of a story about a guy who ends up taking care of a depressed rock star. The dialogue is fun, there are some hilarious lines, astute observation plus moments of heartfelt clarity coming often enough to make this a story that lingers long after the last page. Karim is the sort of guy you’d want to look after you and he handles Angelo perfectly. Both damaged guys, in a way, who took this happy reader along on their journey to a happy ever after. The book is a little different, the tone perfect, the pace well-judged. I hadn’t read book one so I didn’t know the characters mentioned at the start, but I’ll soon rectify that.

]]> <![CDATA[Both of You (DCI Clements, #1)]]> 56657048 Leigh Fletcher: happily married stepmom to two gorgeous boys goes missing on Monday. Her husband, Mark, says he knows nothing of her whereabouts. She went to work and just never came home. Their family is shattered.

Kai Janssen:married to wealthy Dutch businessman Daan and vanishes the same week. Kai left their luxurious penthouse and glamorous world without a backward glance. She seemingly evaporated into thin air. Daan is distraught.

DetectiveClements knows that people disappear all the time—far too frequently. Most run away from things, some run toward, others are taken but find their way back. A sad few never return. These two women are from very different worlds. Their disappearances are unlikely to be connected. And yet, at a gut level, the detective believes they might be.

How could these women walk away from their families, husbands and homes willingly? Clements is determined to unearth the truth, no matter how shocking and devastating it may be.

#1 Sunday Times bestselling author Adele Parks returns with her most provocative, compelling book to date.

]]> 368 Adele Parks 0008395586 Barbara 0 3.75 2021 Both of You (DCI Clements, #1)
author: Adele Parks
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2022/01/05
date added: 2022/01/05
shelves:
review:
A huge disappointment in so many ways. I am not a fan of unreliable narrators though I do realise an author can hardly warn a reader of that without spoiling the plot. The characters seemed lacking in substance - and none elicited any sympathy from me. But what I didn't get was why the police didn't just track the mobile phones. And the ending? What the hell happened? Why did we need to be left hanging in that way? Though I'd lost interest long before that point.
]]> Seducing the Sorcerer 58526936 Jordan L. Hawk, author of the Whyborne & Griffin series.“If you're looking for fainting pretty boys, this book is not for you. Fenn and Morgrim are grown worn, world weary, stronger than they know, and scared to reach for what they want—for a while. The world is tangible, often beautiful, the story complex and engrossing, by turns dark, gritty, humorous, tragic, and rough. It's the kind of story that stays with you after you've devoured the final page.� - Lynn Flewelling, author of the Nightrunner Series and the Tamír Triad.“Seducing the Sorcerer is tender, sharp, and funny all at once. I was immediately drawn into the magical world that Lee Welch deftly creates and happily stayed up well into the night reading.� � Cat Sebastian, author of The Queer Principles of Kit Webb and the Seducing the Sedgwicks series.“Seducing the Sorcerer is a classic ‘grumpy one falls for…extremely grumpy one� romance, featuring two middle-aged cynics who might just be each other’s sunshine. Throw in some magical mysteries, a gothic tower, and a healthy dose of skullduggery. Add libraries, kittens and magical horses. It all adds up to a bracing hug of a book that’s full of heart.� � Dr Sam Hirst, Romancing the Gothic.]]> 261 Lee Welch 0473583283 Barbara 5 4.05 2021 Seducing the Sorcerer
author: Lee Welch
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/17
date added: 2021/09/17
shelves:
review:
So enjoyable. Another book that I wanted to keep reading until I'd finished rather than the series of DNFs I've recently had. Lee's writing is very beautiful. Her descriptions make it easy to picture exactly what she wants the reader to see. I love horsie!!!! That was so clever and a great theme through the book. The one thing I did feel was slightly off was the age thing. Fenn, yes, he did seem his age, but Morgrim didn't. He came over as much younger, though maybe it was because he'd never really had the chance to grow up. Even so, I never felt he was the age he was. Even with the cover as a hint. But a triumph, none the less. An intriguing tale and so well written.
]]> <![CDATA[The Duke's Demon (Starian Cycle #2)]]> 57206151
He will find, soon enough, that only the last half of the rumor is true. Sebastien d’Hiver is a man given over to the dark that is all he or his demon has ever known, and it isn’t until he drags Devon to the eerie country manor he calls home that he realizes that there’s more to life than pain. Soon, all three of them, noble, traitor, and demon alike, will find in each other the light they’ve all been missing.

(Please note: This book takes place in a "biological imperative BDSM universe" in which everyone is born either a submissive or a dominant, and is compelled to satisfy those urges. It does not intend to represent real-life BDSM practices between consenting adults, and should be read only for entertainment purposes.)]]> 218 Iris Foxglove Barbara 5 4.31 2021 The Duke's Demon (Starian Cycle #2)
author: Iris Foxglove
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/08/24
date added: 2021/08/23
shelves:
review:
Well what an enjoyable book. I hadn't read book one in the series. I must be daft because I hadn't even spotted this was book 2 - but I don't think it mattered. Beautifully written, different, entertaining and a page turner!
]]> The Rycke (Monstrous, #3) 58743609
I’ve been out here for a long time, and the fear that courses through my blood every time I have to step outside our camp walls to scavenge never fades. No matter how many monsters you face—and have to run for your life from—it doesn’t ever get easier.

But when I come across a bound and injured monster in an abandoned military base, I can’t leave him behind. His presence in our camp is causing tension, but I can’t bring myself to care when I get to see a different side to him—when he starts to show me who he is, beneath the pain and lingering trauma.

But despite his gentle nature, I soon discover why others are so desperate to own him. Why the military, and now this stranger lurking outside our camp, want to put him back in chains and take him away from me.

There’s something hiding under his skin. Something that threatens to upend my entire life, the one I’ve spent my years carefully protecting out here.

There’s a reason why all other monsters fear him.

The Rycke is Book Three of the Monstrous series, a post-apocalyptic m/m fantasy series that features monsters and human men falling in love. It is best to read the series in order. Warning: This m/m love story contains explicit sexual content and is not suitable for young readers. It also contains graphic depictions of torture and violence, and deals with PTSD.]]> 330 Lily Mayne Barbara 5 4.28 2021 The Rycke (Monstrous, #3)
author: Lily Mayne
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/08/12
date added: 2021/08/12
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed this. I hadn't read a book by Lily before but I was able to read this third in the series without any issues. Well written, great pacing, interesting characters - particularly the main ones. As monstrous as the Rycke is, who can fail to be touched by him. Very well done!
]]> A Gentleman in Moscow 34066798 The mega-bestseller with more than 2 million readers—Now a Paramount+ with Showtime series starring Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov

From the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lincoln Highway and Rules of Civility, a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.]]> 462 Amor Towles Barbara 5 4.28 2016 A Gentleman in Moscow
author: Amor Towles
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2021/07/29
date added: 2021/07/29
shelves:
review:
What a delight this book was. Beautifully written, and despite its length a page turner. I fell in love with the count and so wanted him to have his happy ever after. Those who might pick fault with historical details are missing the point. This is an allegory for the whole of Russia, indeed for the human race. Resilience in the face of continued adversity, hope when all seems hopeless, finding beauty in the least beautiful thing, the importance of friendship, how young and old find their way - I could go on and on. It was seamless and enchanting and I held my breath in the last few chapters - hoping!! I was not disappointed. The best book I've read in a long while.
]]> House of Correction 50496924 ‘So,� said Mora Piozzi, her lawyer, looking down at her laptop. ‘In brief: you are charged with the murder of Stuart Robert Rees, on December 21st, between the hours of ten-forty in the morning and half-past three o’clock in the afternoon.�

Tabitha is accused of murder. She is in prison awaiting trial.
There is a strong case against her, and she can’t remember what happened on December 21st.
She is alone, frightened and confused.
But somehow, from the confines of her cell, she needs to prove everyone wrong.]]> 528 Nicci French 0063021358 Barbara 4 3.71 2020 House of Correction
author: Nicci French
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/07/09
date added: 2021/07/09
shelves:
review:
I've read all of this duo's books and enjoyed them. I really liked this one. I hadn't worked out who did it. That was refreshing. Yes, Tabitha was a hard character to like, but a realistic one I felt. The difficulty for me - trying not to give anything away - was the forensic evidence. It seemed too obvious and that it was not mentioned until very late on seemed unrealistic. It isn't really a spoiler as it turns out not to be crucial but having spent years watching CSI type shows and reading plenty of police procedurals - I felt the blood issue was a bit strange not to have raised its head sooner. BUT - it was an entertaining read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
]]> Shai (Twisted Web #1) 58310007
Petty crook and drug dealer Elijah Page’s plan was simple. Stay off the feuding crime-lords� radar for long enough to make a quick buck in the city, and then get out. He couldn’t have been more naïve. Captured and beaten by McIntyre, he escapes death, only to find himself in the hands of McIntyre’s opponent. Shai is an enigma, a man as charming as he is twisted. And he’s set his sights on possessing Elijah—body and soul.

Shai will stop at nothing until he’s ousted McIntyre. In the meantime, fate has provided him with an interesting distraction in the shape of the stubborn and rebellious Elijah. Elijah’s lips may say one thing, but his body says something else entirely. Elijah might think he has what it takes to go up against a man like Shai, but he’s wrong. He’s nothing but a fly in Shai’s web, and Shai will always be two steps ahead.

A game ensues. One that Elijah may not even realize he’s playing, or just how big a pawn he is. Everything is at stake. Possibly even his heart and mind. By the time Shai has finished with him, there might not be anything left of the man he used to be.

Let the games begin.

A dark mm romantic suspense featuring snakes as a weapon, a manipulative main character, and a few twists and turns along the way.]]> 300 H.L. Night Barbara 0 4.02 2021 Shai (Twisted Web #1)
author: H.L. Night
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/06/19
shelves:
review:

]]> Travel by Night 56677963 - Sophie Hannah, Multi-million Bestselling Author of Haven’t They Grown

A nebulous memory. Caught in a dangerous trap. A life-changing discovery.

When Yalina wakes in hospital following surgery, she doesn’t recognise her own parents.

Following her release, she makes the decision to meet her estranged brother, Ali, in Sheffield, but the man who picks her up is not her brother. He takes Yalina to a house where girls are held against their will and forced into sex slavery. Too late, she realises she has fallen into a trap.

Over time, Yalina discovers a love of playing the old piano that lives in the house. It keeps her sane. As friendships blossom between the women, Yalina finds herself taking a young girl, Rebecca, under her wing, which makes it harder for her to try to escape.

Using a stolen laptop, Yalina searches for her brother online, but soon discovers that all is not as it seems.

As the women are threatened with violence, Yalina reluctantly accepts help from a stranger she met in the house. But he carries a secret that could impact on her whole life.

But will it be enough for Yalina to escape her captors? And how will she cope with the unexpected revelation?]]> 247 Sophie Morton-Thomas Barbara 0 3.75 2020 Travel by Night
author: Sophie Morton-Thomas
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2021/06/14
date added: 2021/06/14
shelves:
review:
I found this a very odd book. Initially confusing and then it didn't get much better! It was an odd perspective to tell a story of sex slavery, trafficking of women - with no detail on what they actually went through. Not that I particularly want to read those sorts of details but not having them lessened the effect of the story. It made the main narrator seemed unperturbed by what she must have gone through. There was too much mystery at the start about her and her parents and her brother. By the time we reached the point of understanding where the second narrator fit into the story, it was obvious but I still didn't see the point of it. I did like some of the characters, women and men. I felt a sense of menace but all the stuff about the piano and music ... I kept thinking - is there some symbolism here I'm missing, some allegory? I did finish it but was left flat.
]]> Green River Rising 694270 192 Tim Willocks 0380723573 Barbara 5 3.94 1994 Green River Rising
author: Tim Willocks
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/12
date added: 2021/06/12
shelves:
review:
Second time reading this book - I'm trying to whittle down my shelves of paperbacks - and I hadn't remembered how good this was so it stays on my shelf. Yes, it's brutal and violent but there is heart in it!! It was exciting and fast paced and if I leave it another 10 years, I can read it again and not remember what happened! Excellent thriller for those with a strong stomach. I have no idea how realistic it is - probably not very these days, but I didn't care. It took me on an adventure and I'm sad it's over.
]]> <![CDATA[The Dark of You (Broken Ink #2)]]> 57885698
Or that’s how it was supposed to go down.

For ex-MI7 killer, Kiyen, his ink ability has been thrown into reverse now his ink has been cut away. Drowning fast and hard in the land of the “normals�, he’s struggling to come to terms with this new way of ghosting through life.

As a Second Ink and low-grade empath, Fal’s left to pick up the pieces. Yet when the origins of the ink drip feed into Kiyen’s and Fal’s lives, Fal finds he’s in for a fight to the death to stop Kiyen falling into a darkness in soul no one saw coming.

There’s a rougher, darker soul walking through UK streets. One that’s about to turn Kiyen’s head with the true origins of� family.]]> 587 Jack L. Pyke Barbara 5 I will say that it is a time since I read Book 1 and my memory is awful. But I do think it's important to read the first book to get a better way into Book 2. I did struggle with the first part of this, trying to recall what had happened. Since not all is as it seems, I fell foul of misremembering. LOL
But once I was in my stride, I lapped this up.
Yes, there are times when I wished I was less confused - sometimes there was just too much to take in, but this is a very different sort of story that requires the reader to just accept and go with the flow - as the characters have to. Jack has created a cast of fascinating characters who all play a significant role. You'll have your heart ripped out and shredded at times, but hope shines at the end. ]]> 4.34 The Dark of You (Broken Ink #2)
author: Jack L. Pyke
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/29
date added: 2021/05/31
shelves:
review:
Well what a ride this book is! Jack's lovely twisty descriptive writing at its best. She carries the reader on a journey of despair, hope, love, despair again and it's impossible not to keep turning the pages. Kiyan is just...everything.
I will say that it is a time since I read Book 1 and my memory is awful. But I do think it's important to read the first book to get a better way into Book 2. I did struggle with the first part of this, trying to recall what had happened. Since not all is as it seems, I fell foul of misremembering. LOL
But once I was in my stride, I lapped this up.
Yes, there are times when I wished I was less confused - sometimes there was just too much to take in, but this is a very different sort of story that requires the reader to just accept and go with the flow - as the characters have to. Jack has created a cast of fascinating characters who all play a significant role. You'll have your heart ripped out and shredded at times, but hope shines at the end.
]]> <![CDATA[Jonty in Russia (Unfinished Business 1.6)]]> 56939399 89 Barbara Elsborg Barbara 0 to-read 4.37 2021 Jonty in Russia (Unfinished Business 1.6)
author: Barbara Elsborg
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2021/05/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Another Man's Treasure 22229236
Entering to pick up the pieces is Mikhail’s younger brother, Nick—impulsive, power-hungry, and dangerous. When Nick tells Ilia he’s taking everything that belonged to Mikhail—including Ilia—Ilia is too lost in grief to fight. Nick takes Ilia prisoner in the apartment Ilia once shared with Mikhail and grooms him for a very important mission: to kill Ilia’s father and avenge Mikhail’s death.

Ilia wants no part in the plot, but being Nick’s ally is preferable to being Nick’s victim, so he begins to warp himself into the monster Nick wants him to be. Hope arrives when Nick takes another captive: Patrick, a shy massage therapist who’s stronger than he seems. Patrick and Ilia must join forces to escape Nick—and to keep each other whole as Nick does everything in his power to break them.]]> 270 Lisa Henry Barbara 5 3.72 2014 Another Man's Treasure
author: Lisa Henry
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/06
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves:
review:
Wow, dark, twisted - and I don't just mean the ribbons- what a story. I loved it.
]]> The Betrayals 46159063 If everything in your life was based on a lie
would you risk it all to tell the truth?

At Montverre, an exclusive academy tucked away in the mountains, the best and brightest are trained for excellence in the grand jeu: an arcane and mysterious contest. Léo Martin was once a student there, but lost his passion for the grand jeu following a violent tragedy. Now he returns in disgrace, exiled to his old place of learning with his political career in tatters.

Montverre has changed since he studied there, even allowing a woman, Claire Dryden, to serve in the grand jeu’s highest office of Magister Ludi. When Léo first sees Claire he senses an odd connection with her, though he’s sure they have never met before.

Both Léo and Claire have built their lives on lies. And as the legendary Midsummer Game, the climax of the year, draws closer, secrets are whispering in the walls…]]> 419 Bridget Collins 006283813X Barbara 0 3.47 2020 The Betrayals
author: Bridget Collins
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2021/03/21
date added: 2021/03/21
shelves:
review:
After having loved The Binding, I had high hopes for this one but I didn't find it anywhere near as entrancing. It seemed too drawn out, too difficult to get a grasp of the Grand Jeu - I wanted to know what it actually was but I was still wondering at the end. An allegory? Symbolism? If so I missed it.
]]> Three Hours 43812076
It is a morning's lessons, a dress rehearsal of Macbeth, a snowy trek through the woods.

It is an eternity waiting for news. Or a countdown to something terrible.

It is 180 minutes to discover who you will die for and what men will kill for.

In rural Somerset in the middle of a blizzard, the unthinkable happens: a school is under siege. Told from the point of view of the people at the heart of it, from the wounded headmaster in the library, unable to help his trapped pupils and staff, to teenage Hannah in love for the first time, to the parents gathering desperate for news, to the 16 year old Syrian refugee trying to rescue his little brother, to the police psychologist who must identify the gunmen, to the students taking refuge in the school theatre, all experience the most intense hours of their lives, where evil and terror are met by courage, love and redemption.]]> 320 Rosamund Lupton 0241374499 Barbara 0 4.09 2020 Three Hours
author: Rosamund Lupton
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2021/03/21
date added: 2021/03/21
shelves:
review:
In some ways I found this a page turner but not I fear for the right reasons. I wasn't convinced by it at all. For teenagers to continue to rehearse a play while their school is under siege seemed unrealistic. The idea that they were safe in that rehearsal place - unrealistic. So much of it meant suspending disbelief that I felt a bit cheated. No real depth of character. Even the Syrian boy felt cliched. I've read a lot more convincing stories about school gunman. This was a no for me.
]]> <![CDATA[The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair]]> 19301797 643 Joël Dicker 0143126687 Barbara 0 3.98 2012 The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair
author: Joël Dicker
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at: 2021/03/21
date added: 2021/03/21
shelves:
review:
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. So slow. It might have been a good book for me if it had been half the length. I really can't see why it had to be this long. Don't get me wrong, I like long books but the substance of this didn't merit a book of this length. There were some nifty twists and turns but the dialogue wasn't realistic, the 15 year old girl was a *squick* for me - even with what followed. I was really disappointed. It wasn't awful but it didn't live up to the hype.
]]> The Girls He Adored 713292
Then, in Monterey, California, a routine traffic stop erupts into a scene of horrific violence. The local police are stunned by a disemboweled strawberry blond victim and an ingenious killer with multiple alternating personalities. Pender is convinced he has found his man, but before he can prove it, the suspect stages a cunning jailbreak and abducts his court-appointed psychiatrist, Irene Cogan.

In a house on a secluded ridge in Oregon, Irene must navigate through the minefield of her captor's various egos -- male and female, brilliant and naive, murderous and passive -- all of whom are dominated by Max, a seductive killer who views her as both his prisoner and his salvation. Irene knows that to survive she must play along with Max's game of sexual perversion. Only then will she be able to strip back the layers to discover a chilling story of a shattered young boy -- and all the girls he adored.

A sexually charged thriller of extraordinary originality and page-turning suspense, The Girls He Adored moves furiously from the inner recesses of the psyche to its final, startling climax. Jonathan Nasaw brilliantly portrays two equally intense characters -- a deviant killer and the expert who can unlock his darkest secrets -- and introduces one of the most likable sleuths in recent fiction.]]> 448 Jonathan Nasaw 0671787454 Barbara 4 4.05 2001 The Girls He Adored
author: Jonathan Nasaw
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at: 2021/02/28
date added: 2021/02/28
shelves:
review:
Oh this was good. An old one that I reread and I was totally drawn into the story. The fact that it's old didn't matter. It worked!
]]> Everything I Never Told You 18693763
Lydia is the favourite child of Marilyn and James Lee; a girl who inherited her mother's bright blue eyes and her father's jet-black hair. Her parents are determined that Lydia will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue - in Marilyn's case that her daughter become a doctor rather than a homemaker, in James's case that Lydia be popular at school, a girl with a busy social life and the centre of every party. But Lydia is under pressures that have nothing to do with growing up in 1970s small town Ohio. Her father is an American born of first-generation Chinese immigrants, and his ethnicity, and hers, make them conspicuous in any setting.

When Lydia's body is found in the local lake, James is consumed by guilt and sets out on a reckless path that may destroy his marriage. Marilyn, devastated and vengeful, is determined to make someone accountable, no matter what the cost. Lydia's older brother, Nathan, is convinced that local bad boy Jack is somehow involved. But it's the youngest in the family - Hannah - who observes far more than anyone realises and who may be the only one who knows what really happened.

Everything I Never Told You is a gripping page-turner, about secrets, love, longing, lies and race.

Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.]]> 297 Celeste Ng 159420571X Barbara 0 3.81 2014 Everything I Never Told You
author: Celeste Ng
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at: 2021/02/28
date added: 2021/02/28
shelves:
review:
I somehow managed to delete this review without realising. Eeek. Can I remember what I wrote? NO and I think that says it all. I did like the Little Fires story and this one had a similar feel. It made me anxious for the characters even though we know at the outset who is dead. I felt as if I wanted to bang heads together and maybe that was the author's intent. The ending was enigmatic. I guess we can make our own minds up as to what was going through her head. But I didn't find it satisfying. It was depressing and not even hopeful which made it a hard read.
]]> Invisible Girl 50542147
In his thirties, a virgin, and living in his aunt’s spare bedroom, he has just been suspended from his job as a geography teacher after accusations of sexual misconduct, which he strongly denies. Searching for professional advice online, he is inadvertently sucked into the dark world of incel—involuntary celibate—forums, where he meets the charismatic, mysterious, and sinister Bryn.

Across the street from Owen lives the Fours family, headed by mom Cate, a physiotherapist, and dad Roan, a child psychologist. But the Fours family have a bad feeling about their neighbor Owen. He’s a bit creepy and their teenaged daughter swears he followed her home from the train station one night.

Meanwhile, young Saffyre Maddox spent three years as a patient of Roan Fours. Feeling abandoned when their therapy ends, she searches for other ways to maintain her connection with him, following him in the shadows and learning more than she wanted to know about Roan and his family. Then, on Valentine’s night, Saffyre Maddox disappears—and the last person to see her alive is Owen Pick.
]]> 404 Lisa Jewell 1982137339 Barbara 0 Sadly the police procedural stuff let it down for me. The way Owen was treated and the amount of information that was released was ridiculous. It just wouldn't have happened - but it NEEDED to happen for the plot. The bail issue I also found very strange. I don't want to say too much and spoil it for others.
Yes, it all hangs together - just about. I didn't find the actual storyline - the character of the invisible girl as convincing as I'd have liked but I'd still buy any book that Ms Jewell wrote because her writing is lovely, her descriptions great, characters interesting (though not so much for me here) but this was a thumbs down from me.]]> 3.73 2020 Invisible Girl
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2021/02/20
date added: 2021/02/20
shelves:
review:
I think I've read every book Lisa Jewell has ever written. Her style has changed a lot from those early stories and I've travelled the road with her, still enjoying her writing. This is still true but this book I found didn't quite do it for me. I loved the character of Owen - poor guy! But apart from him and maybe the son of Roan, I didn't like or care about the others. I wanted MORE details on them so I could be more invested in their lives but because there are so many characters, I guess she had to limit the amount of detail she went into.
Sadly the police procedural stuff let it down for me. The way Owen was treated and the amount of information that was released was ridiculous. It just wouldn't have happened - but it NEEDED to happen for the plot. The bail issue I also found very strange. I don't want to say too much and spoil it for others.
Yes, it all hangs together - just about. I didn't find the actual storyline - the character of the invisible girl as convincing as I'd have liked but I'd still buy any book that Ms Jewell wrote because her writing is lovely, her descriptions great, characters interesting (though not so much for me here) but this was a thumbs down from me.
]]> The Binding 39964740
After having suffered some sort of mental collapse and no longer able to keep up with his farm chores, Emmett Farmer is sent to the workshop of one such binder to live and work as her apprentice. Leaving behind home and family, Emmett slowly regains his health while learning the binding trade. He is forbidden to enter the locked room where books are stored, so he spends many months marbling end pages, tooling leather book covers, and gilding edges. But his curiosity is piqued by the people who come and go from the inner sanctum, and the arrival of the lordly Lucian Darnay, with whom he senses a connection, changes everything.]]> 437 Bridget Collins 0008272115 Barbara 5 3.86 2019 The Binding
author: Bridget Collins
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/30
date added: 2020/12/30
shelves:
review:
Fabulous! I loved it from the first word to the last. Beautiful description. Captivating story. Just perfect.
]]> <![CDATA[Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor, #1)]]> 34219873
Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.]]> 465 Jessica Townsend 0316439959 Barbara 5 4.32 2017 Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor, #1)
author: Jessica Townsend
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2020/12/11
date added: 2020/12/11
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed this. I know I'm a million light years away from being the target audience but the story was fun and charming and slightly spooky. I look forward to the day when my grandson is old enough to read it. A delight!
]]> Poppet (Jack Caffery, #6) 39783613 The Beechway High Secure Unit in Bristol, England, has a storied past—first as a nineteenth-century workhouse, then a poorhouse for the homeless, and now as a psychiatric hospital. With that troubled history come superstitions like the Maude, believed to be the ghost of a sadistic workhouse matron.

But while some of the patients and staff think the Maude is behind a series of unexplained episodes of self-harm amongst the ward’s patients, nursing coordinator AJ LeGrande thinks they might be the work of an all too human horror—a homicidal patient who was released back into the public in error.

Calling on Det. Jack Caffery, LeGrande hopes his investigation will reveal what’s truly been going on inside and outside the hospital’s walls. But what Caffery discovers about former patient Isaac Handel is beyond anyone’s imagining.

“Enough evil to keep readers awake long after the cases are solved... Rich psychological portraits [and] a compelling mystery.� �

“Dipping into when the house was silent and the rain was spattering against the windows probably wasn’t a good idea: The book oozes sinisterness from the first page... [Its] high-wire tension... never wavers.� �
]]> 400 Mo Hayder 0802193587 Barbara 4 4.02 2013 Poppet (Jack Caffery, #6)
author: Mo Hayder
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2020/11/21
date added: 2020/11/21
shelves:
review:
Not my favourite of hers but I still enjoyed it. It was my second read since I bought it and my terrible memory didn't work to my advantage as I'd remembered who'd done it! But it's still a page turner. I just wish there was a new book to look forward to. Caffery is a great character and I want to know what happens to him - and Flea.
]]> <![CDATA[My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan Novels, #1)]]> 35036409 My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense and generous-hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. Ferrante’s inimitable style lends itself perfectly to a meticulous portrait of these two women that is also the story of a nation and a touching meditation on the nature of friendship. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighbourhood, a city and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her two protagonists.]]> 331 Elena Ferrante Barbara 0 4.08 2011 My Brilliant Friend (Neapolitan Novels, #1)
author: Elena Ferrante
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at: 2020/11/21
date added: 2020/11/21
shelves:
review:
I didn't get on with this. I couldn't get myself into their world - it seemed so far from everything I've ever known. I did like the details on Italian culture but very little happens. It's more like a diary and about people I wasn't fond of. Maybe I'd have felt differently if I'd had a sister or a good girl friend. I won't be reading the other two books. I wouldn't have continued with this one if it hadn't been chosen for Book Club. It made me think of a souped up Mills and Boon. I expected more. I know it's hugely popular but I've realised I don't like this sort of saga. Sorry.
]]> The Architect's Apprentice 22571629 From the acclaimed author of The Bastard of Istanbul, a colorful, magical tale set during the height of the Ottoman Empire

In her latest novel, Elif Shafak spins an epic tale spanning nearly a century in the life of the Ottoman Empire. In 1540, twelve-year-old Jahan arrives in Istanbul. As an animal tamer in the sultan’s menagerie, he looks after the exceptionally smart elephant Chota and befriends (and falls for) the sultan’s beautiful daughter, Princess Mihrimah. A palace education leads Jahan to Mimar Sinan, the empire’s chief architect, who takes Jahan under his wing as they construct (with Chota’s help) some of the most magnificent buildings in history. Yet even as they build Sinan’s triumphant masterpieces—the incredible Suleymaniye and Selimiye mosques—dangerous undercurrents begin to emerge, with jealousy erupting among Sinan’s four apprentices.

A memorable story of artistic freedom, creativity, and the clash between science and fundamentalism, Shafak’s intricate novel brims with vibrant characters, intriguing adventure, and the lavish backdrop of the Ottoman court, where love and loyalty are no match for raw power.]]> 424 Elif Shafak 052542797X Barbara 2 4.00 2013 The Architect's Apprentice
author: Elif Shafak
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2020/09/27
shelves:
review:
This was a book club choice and I thought when it was suggested, it sounded interesting. It was but it was far too long in my opinion. I felt as if it was never going to end. The story is a simple one and deftly woven by the author though I became very irritated by the way she listed so much and so often. The names of animals and the sounds they made was one example that stood out. I liked the elephant though I was never as invested in any of the other characters. I didn't realise that the architect was an actual historical person. I think that must make the book more interesting for those of Turkish descent in particular but for me, it dragged on too much.
]]> Sometimes There's Stars 54923136 294 Suki Fleet Barbara 5 4.37 2020 Sometimes There's Stars
author: Suki Fleet
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/08/15
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Claustrophilia (The Dark Triad, #1)]]> 42358645
He spent too much time studying the Providence Butcher's victims and not enough talking to living people. He was erotically obsessed with the idea of murdering Dr. Ivan Skinner, his medical school advisor. It was only a matter of time before he killed someone, possibly himself—but the Providence Butcher had other ideas. After all, the first time should be special, and Christopher was going about it all wrong.

Now those life-or-death decisions are out of his hands. He's breaking. What's worse, Chris has a lot in common with the Butcher. Nobody else has truly cared about him before. When he's not being tortured, he's being cherished. If Stockholm syndrome feels like love, then in practice, what’s the difference?

Chris can’t maintain his dignity, but can still cling to his shattered moral compass. Or he can let go, submit, and become the unspeakable. At least then he wouldn’t be alone.

Prepare to become an accomplice. Claustrophilia draws you in, ties you up, and asks some uncomfortable questions: are there taboos you'd never break, no matter how far you were pushed? Is it better to be tortured or ignored?

More pressing: if you had to choose, which limb could you live without?]]> 336 Ezra Blake Barbara 4 This is one of the darkest things I've read (and I've read DeSade!) Really not for the faint hearted. The author warns you and you need to take heed.

Where's the next in the series!!! Oh I am utterly ashamed of myself for wanting more. ]]> 4.17 2018 Claustrophilia (The Dark Triad, #1)
author: Ezra Blake
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/10
date added: 2020/08/10
shelves:
review:
Well, this was different! I do like to be challenged occasionally and this story did just that. The writing was very good. The pace excellent. I felt a compulsion to keep reading even though this is well out of my comfort zone. For all that Ezra Blake has produced two loathsome characters, there is still something that draws the reader, tries to persuade them they are not all that bad - except they are!
This is one of the darkest things I've read (and I've read DeSade!) Really not for the faint hearted. The author warns you and you need to take heed.

Where's the next in the series!!! Oh I am utterly ashamed of myself for wanting more.
]]> Exposed 54637851
Sometimes salvation comes from the most unlikely hero.

When Tate Gillespie is marked for death for a crime he didn’t commit, his life crumbles. In a world where ‘justice� is meted out by a relentless military force, he’s going to need more than a mythical guardian angel. His life down to seconds, he’s saved by the mysterious X, a knife-wielding man he's never even met before. But who is X? Is he the man who threatens and kills without a second thought? Or the strangely gentle man who only seems to act that way around Tate?

X is a shadow. A wraith. A man who flits through the city virtually unseen. He’s got no time for people when knives are far more reliable. X does have one weakness though—the man he's been keeping safe for years who doesn't even know it. He'd burn the whole world to keep him alive. But what he won't do is stake his claim. Tate’s not his and he needs to remember that, no matter how close they might become.

With the military in hot pursuit, they’re going to need to rely on X’s skills to keep them both alive. Tate’s feelings are growing with every hour they spend together, but X is a tough nut to crack. Can two people from very different backgrounds really find common ground? Or will one of the many perils they face throughout their long journey drive them apart?

It’s all about survival. Not love. Isn’t it?

Exposed is a 132k action/adventure story featuring two men who couldn’t be more opposite. ]]> 334 H.L. Day Barbara 5 4.16 2020 Exposed
author: H.L. Day
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2020/07/25
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings, #1)]]> 29283884
But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.]]> 528 Mackenzi Lee 0062382802 Barbara 4 4.03 2017 The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings, #1)
author: Mackenzi Lee
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2020/06/15
date added: 2020/06/15
shelves:
review:
It has taken me so long to get round to reading this. I'm sorry I didn't read it before. What a fun tale! I loved that so much happened and yes, some of it was a bit preposterous but it didn't matter. It was entertaining and good company on a night when I just could not go to sleep.
]]> <![CDATA[Strange Love (Galactic Love, #1)]]> 48915429 He's awkward. He's adorable. He's alien as hell.
Zylar of Kith Balak is a four-time loser in the annual Choosing. If he fails to find a nest guardian this time, he'll lose his chance to have a mate for all time. Desperation drives him to try a matching service but due to a freak solar flare and a severely malfunctioning ship AI, things go way off course. This 'human being' is not the Tiralan match he was looking for.

She's frazzled. She's fierce. She's from St. Louis.
Beryl Bowman's mother always said she'd never get married. She should have added a rider about the husband being human. Who would have ever thought that working at the Sunshine Angel daycare center would offer such interstellar prestige? She doesn't know what the hell's going on, but a new life awaits on Barath Colony, where she can have any alien bachelor she wants.

They agree to join the Choosing together, but love is about to get seriously strange.]]> 306 Ann Aguirre Barbara 5 3.84 2020 Strange Love (Galactic Love, #1)
author: Ann Aguirre
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2020/04/24
date added: 2020/04/24
shelves:
review:
I loved this. What a breath of fresh air. A humorous, touching alien love story. I rarely read MF romance these days but since our hero isn't the M I'm used to, LOL, it was such a treat. The pace never flagged, the emotions were real, the dog was so cute. I struggle sometimes with the detail in sci fi stories but not at all in this one. I could actually picture the hero in my head (though the cover helped) It was pure magic! Well done.
]]> Weathercock 210818 500 Glen Duncan 0743220153 Barbara 4 3.95 2003 Weathercock
author: Glen Duncan
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/17
date added: 2020/03/17
shelves:
review:
After reading I Lucifer - I bought this one. A very different book but just as well written. Duncan's sharp observational skills were on full display. The story is of a boy's journey to becoming a man, the events that influenced his development and how he deals or not deals with them, mixed in with his relationship with God and catholicism. I enjoyed it!
]]> <![CDATA[The Cartel (Power of the Dog, #2)]]> 23602561 The Power of the Dog comes The Cartel, a gripping, true-to-life, ripped-from-the-headlines epic story of power, corruption, revenge, and justice spanning the past decade of the Mexican-American drug wars.

It’s 2004. DEA agent Art Keller has been fighting the war on drugs for thirty years in a blood feud against Adán Barrera, the head of El Federación, the world’s most powerful cartel, and the man who brutally murdered Keller’s partner. Finally putting Barrera away cost Keller dearly—the woman he loves, the beliefs he cherishes, the life he wants to lead.

Then Barrera gets out, determined to rebuild the empire that Keller shattered. Unwilling to live in a world with Barrera in it, Keller goes on a ten-year odyssey to take him down. His obsession with justice—or is it revenge?—becomes a ruthless struggle that stretches from the cities, mountains, and deserts of Mexico to Washington’s corridors of power to the streets of Berlin and Barcelona.

Keller fights his personal battle against the devastated backdrop of Mexico’s drug war, a conflict of unprecedented scale and viciousness, as cartels vie for power and he comes to the final reckoning with Barrera—and himself—that he always knew must happen.

The Cartel is a story of revenge, honor, and sacrifice, as one man tries to face down the devil without losing his soul. It is the story of the war on drugs and the men—and women—who wage it.]]> 616 Don Winslow 1101874996 Barbara 5 4.33 2015 The Cartel (Power of the Dog, #2)
author: Don Winslow
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2020/03/17
date added: 2020/03/17
shelves:
review:
Superb. Shocking. Riveting. Horror-inducing. Eye-opening. Gulp-making. Tears falling. This book! It's long. It's involved. I had no idea of the level of corruption and violence that existed in Mexico. The list of journalists who have been killed - was enough to make me gasp. This is not a book for the fainthearted by my goodness, am I glad I read it.
]]> I Thought I Knew You 43312988
Who do you know better? Your oldest friend? Or your child?
And who should you believe when one accuses the other of an abhorrent crime?

Jules and Holly have been best friends since university. They tell each other everything, trading revelations and confessions, and sharing both the big moments and the small details of their Holly is the only person who knows about Jules’s affair; Jules was there for Holly when her husband died. And their two children � just four years apart � have grown up together.

So when Jules’s daughter Saffie makes a rape allegation against Holly’s son Saul, neither woman is prepared for the devastating impact this will have on their friendship or their families.

Especially as Holly, in spite of her principles, refuses to believe her son is guilty.]]> 326 Penny Hancock 1509867880 Barbara 4 Very nicely written story of disintegrating families facing an horrendous situation (or two). I did think it was a bit long winded in places but I still found it to be a very good read. I could put myself into the position of each of the main characters. What would I have done, thought, said and I admire that the author managed that.
Tricky subject matter, handled well and I'd def. read more from this author. ]]> 4.05 2019 I Thought I Knew You
author: Penny Hancock
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/03/02
date added: 2020/03/02
shelves:
review:
Awake in the middle of the night - couldn't sleep- started this and then didn't sleep until I'd finished it. Good thing I read fast.
Very nicely written story of disintegrating families facing an horrendous situation (or two). I did think it was a bit long winded in places but I still found it to be a very good read. I could put myself into the position of each of the main characters. What would I have done, thought, said and I admire that the author managed that.
Tricky subject matter, handled well and I'd def. read more from this author.
]]> <![CDATA[The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes (The Hitman's Guide, #2)]]> 51958880 Jackson

Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine—or stop him from making our cases “more exciting� by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?

Wrong.

We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.

Leland

I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson—especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.

Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)

This 110k word book contains: Disco ball pinata, camping with Sasquatch, an acrobatic housekeeper named “Mr. Cleanyface,� a questionable massage table, weapons everywhere, Jackson’s nemesis—the fence, a turkey showdown, aerial silk antics, a reappearance of Blow-up Randy, over-the-top body armor, too many hitmen, and so many emotions that Leland’s chest might explode. This is the second book in a series—while you could read and enjoy it on its own, you really should read The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love for maximum enjoyment.]]> 336 Alice Winters Barbara 5 4.36 2019 The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes (The Hitman's Guide, #2)
author: Alice Winters
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/02/06
date added: 2020/03/01
shelves:
review:
The moment I'd read book one, I went into book two! Just as good. Just as funny. Great banter and very well written.
]]> <![CDATA[The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love (The Hitman's Guide, #1)]]> 51805184 What happens when a snarky hitman and a by-the-book PI cross paths?

Leland
Being a hitman has its perks, but I never thought getting an accidental mooning by an attractive PI while he’s caught on a fence would be one of them. While it’s not exactly love at first sight, he’s captured my interest and won’t let go.

Suddenly, I find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse, determined to attract the attention of Jackson, the PI who should be my enemy. He pretends like he’s not flattered by my flowers and the mentions of my totally-not-fictitious blow-up doll Randy (or was it Dandy?), but I know better. Why else would he be teaming up with me to bring down Hardek, one of the city’s most ruthless criminals?

Jackson
Even though the cops are telling me that the hitman is a notorious contract killer, I can’t help but admit that I’m drawn to him. He’s funny, charismatic, and attractive. There’s no way this ridiculous man can be the person the cops are after.

But when Leland ends up at my doorstep injured, I’m faced with a tough choice. It’s my duty to hand him over to law enforcement, but my heart has other plans. I want to keep him. To protect him. To be with him.

Though one question remains: why in the world does the man have so many d*mn guns?

Contains: shenanigans on a swing that you would NOT find at a playground, a car chase that sadly doesn't have flips or explosions, a horsey ride sans horse, cuddles, an exuberant mutt, a suspicious chief of police, and lots and lots of laughs.]]> 375 Alice Winters Barbara 5 4.23 2019 The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love (The Hitman's Guide, #1)
author: Alice Winters
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2020/02/06
date added: 2020/02/26
shelves:
review:
Well this was fun! It seems to be rare nowadays that a book that's said to be funny - actually IS funny (to me anyway). I really liked this one. Yes, the humour was over the top but it was a delight to read!
]]> The Lost Man 40102449 The man lay still in the centre of a dusty grave under a monstrous sky.

Two brothers meet at the border of their vast cattle properties under the unrelenting sun of outback Queensland.

They are at the stockman's grave, a landmark so old, no one can remember who is buried there. But today, the scant shadow it casts was the last chance for their middle brother, Cameron.

The Bright family's quiet existence is thrown into grief and anguish. Something had been troubling Cameron. Did he lose hope and walk to his death? Because if he didn't, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects...

For readers who loved The Dry and Force of Nature , Jane Harper has once again created a powerful story of suspense, set against a dazzling landscape.

Praise for Jane Harper

'The most exciting emerging novelist of the last 12 months...places Harper in the elevated company of the authors she so admires...Gillian Flynn and Lee Child' Mail on Sunday

'A major voice in contemporary fiction...an astonishing writer' A.J. Finn author of The Woman in the Window

'A storytelling force to be reckoned with' US Publishers Weekly]]> 362 Jane Harper 1743549105 Barbara 5 4.25 2018 The Lost Man
author: Jane Harper
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2020/02/07
date added: 2020/02/07
shelves:
review:
Such beautiful writing! I could really picture the Australian outback, feel the heat, understand the thirst, the loneliness. This isn't a fast moving story. It's a character study of a family, especially of the three brothers in that family, how things are not what they seem. A study of relationships too and all the issues surrounding them. I really liked it! I read on the exercise bike and I went back on for another 15 minutes to finish it. I had NOT seen the end coming. Wow!
]]> Evolved 39680421 In 2068, androids are an integrated part of human life. Big Brother no longer just watches from the shadows. It’s in every household.

Lloyd Salter has OCD issues with noise, mess, and he’s uncomfortable with human interaction. When his ex claimed the only thing perfect enough to live up to his standards was an android, Lloyd dismissed it. But two years later, after much self-assessment, Lloyd thinks he may have been right.

SATinc is the largest manufacturer of androids in Australia, including the Fully Compatible Units known as an A-Class 10. Their latest design is the Synthetic Human Android UNit, otherwise known as SHAUN.

Shaun is compatible with Lloyd’s every need; the perfect fit on an intellectual and physical basis. But Lloyd soon realises Shaun’s not like other A-Class androids. He learns. He adapts. Sure that SATinc is aware Shaun functions outside of his programmed parameters, Lloyd must find a way to keep Shaun safe.

No one can know how special Shaun is. No one can know he’s evolved.]]> 242 N.R. Walker 1987465970 Barbara 5 4.03 2018 Evolved
author: N.R. Walker
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2020/02/06
date added: 2020/02/06
shelves:
review:
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Was engaged from the first page to the last.
]]> <![CDATA[The Rabbit Hunter (Joona Linna, #6)]]> 45689834 The latest internationally best-selling installment in the Joona Linna series sees him temporarily called back to the police force to solve a series of bizarre and increasingly horrifying murders.

Detective Joona Linna is finishing out a sentence at Kumla prison for assaulting an officer in the course of his last investigation when he is summoned to a meeting with the Swedish Prime Minister. The Foreign Minister has been brutally murdered. There's a chance more political figures could be targeted. The police need Linna to find the killer and neutralize the threat, so he's granted a temporary release from prison. But when another murder occurs, Linna realizes he's dealing with something far more complex, and far more terrifying, than anyone imagined. As the body count grows, Linna begins to understand that he can't do this alone and he reaches out to Saga Bauer, the young Security Police detective, for help. Now, together, the two race against time to unravel the killer's intricate plan before he can take his ultimate revenge.]]> 528 Lars Kepler 1524732281 Barbara 4 3.99 2016 The Rabbit Hunter (Joona Linna, #6)
author: Lars Kepler
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/09
date added: 2020/01/09
shelves:
review:
I am always desperate for the next Joona Linna book! I really enjoyed this one and it joins the others on my bookshelf!
]]> Where the Crawdads Sing 36809135
But Kya is not what they say. A born naturalist with just one day of school, she takes life's lessons from the land, learning the real ways of the world from the dishonest signals of fireflies. But while she has the skills to live in solitude forever, the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. Drawn to two young men from town, who are each intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world—until the unthinkable happens.

In Where the Crawdads Sing, Owens juxtaposes an exquisite ode to the natural world against a profound coming of age story and haunting mystery. Thought-provoking, wise, and deeply moving, Owens’s debut novel reminds us that we are forever shaped by the child within us, while also subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

The story asks how isolation influences the behavior of a young woman, who like all of us, has the genetic propensity to belong to a group. The clues to the mystery are brushed into the lush habitat and natural histories of its wild creatures.]]> 384 Delia Owens 0735219117 Barbara 4 4.35 2018 Where the Crawdads Sing
author: Delia Owens
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/09
date added: 2020/01/09
shelves:
review:
Beautifully written. Evocative. Compelling. But I was disappointed with the end - I have to admit, I did not feel it was in character. I got all the hints - to do with animal behaviour etc - but what happened did not feel 'right' to me. So that's the reason for the dropped star. Still, it is a very good book.
]]> <![CDATA[In the Absence of Light (Morgan & Grant, #1)]]> 25221242
Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him.

While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors

Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.]]> 261 Adrienne Wilder 1511581115 Barbara 5 4.31 2015 In the Absence of Light (Morgan & Grant, #1)
author: Adrienne Wilder
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2020/01/09
date added: 2020/01/09
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed this - enough to read it twice - though with a big gap in between. Such lovely writing! Sigh!!!!!
]]> <![CDATA[The Family Upstairs (The Family Upstairs, #1)]]> 43822820 here.

Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she’s been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am.

She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London’s fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby’s life is about to change. But what she can’t possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well—and she is on a collision course to meet them.

Twenty-five years ago, police were called to 16 Cheyne Walk with reports of a baby crying. When they arrived, they found a healthy ten-month-old happily cooing in her crib in the bedroom. Downstairs in the kitchen lay three dead bodies, all dressed in black, next to a hastily scrawled note. And the four other children reported to live at Cheyne Walk were gone.

The can’t-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets.]]> 352 Lisa Jewell 1501190105 Barbara 4 3.93 2019 The Family Upstairs (The Family Upstairs, #1)
author: Lisa Jewell
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/01/09
date added: 2020/01/09
shelves:
review:
I really liked this. I was intrigued from the word go. I did find it hard to follow at times but that was probably because I read so fast and I read this over a few days so I didn't feel the continuity I'd hoped for. I liked the characters. I liked the set up. I was less keen on the romance between the journalist and Libby. It seemed unnecessary. I'm also not sure about some of the psychology in the tale BUT it was still very engaging and a very good read.
]]> Lies Lies Lies 42614702
In Lies Lies Lies, Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks explores the darkest corners of a relationship in freefall in a mesmerising tale of marriage and secrets]]> 448 Adele Parks 0008284660 Barbara 0 I feel really sad that I didn't like this more but it was a miss for me. ]]> 3.72 2019 Lies Lies Lies
author: Adele Parks
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at: 2019/10/14
date added: 2019/10/14
shelves:
review:
I should start by saying that I've read everything Ms Parks has published and enjoyed them all - for the most part. This one - not so much. It felt like an age before anything actually happened. Page after page of misery for the wife with an alcoholic husband (140 of them) - and the angst and a touch of boredom were unrelenting. Then the main event- trying not to spoil here - which I knew the truth of immediately. Part of a problem in calling your book Lies, Lies, Lies. Followed by the preposterous relationship with Daryll which made Daisy look like a complete idiot. I was not convinced by several aspects of the story - the way the doctor spoke to Simon and the final explanation of what set it all in motion. I'm not saying it's impossible. I looked it up. It is possible but highly improbable.
I feel really sad that I didn't like this more but it was a miss for me.
]]> Baby Doll 27415371 For fans of Gone Girl and Girl on the Train, Baby Doll is the most tense thriller you will read this year.

Held captive for eight years, Lily has grown from a teenager to an adult in a small basement prison. Her daughter Sky has been a captive her whole life. But one day their captor leaves the deadbolt unlocked.

This is what happens next...

...to her twin sister, to her mother, to her daughter...and to her captor.]]> 281 Hollie Overton 0316268712 Barbara 0 3.75 2016 Baby Doll
author: Hollie Overton
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2019/09/22
shelves:
review:

]]> Behind Her Eyes 34089775 Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780008131999.

Don’t Trust This Book
Don’t Trust These People
Don’t Trust Yourself

Louise

Since her husband walked out, Louise has made her son her world, supporting them both with her part-time job. But all that changes when she meets�

David

Young, successful and charming � Louise cannot believe a man like him would look at her twice let alone be attracted to her. But that all comes to a grinding halt when she meets his wife�

Adele

Beautiful, elegant and sweet � Louise's new friend seems perfect in every way. As she becomes obsessed by this flawless couple, entangled in the intricate web of their marriage, they each, in turn, reach out to her.

But only when she gets to know them both does she begin to see the cracks� Is David really the man she thought she knew and is Adele as vulnerable as she appears?

Just what terrible secrets are they both hiding and how far will they go to keep them?]]> 384 Sarah Pinborough Barbara 0
not read two times, I just got the edition wrong! ]]> 3.69 2017 Behind Her Eyes
author: Sarah Pinborough
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2019/09/22
shelves:
review:
I WAS liking it until the supernatural element reared its head. The basic premise isn't a new one but the writing was good and so was the pace. I was hooked. THEN - the reliance on one particular element to advance the plot sent the book plummeting for me. By the time I got to the end, it did not make sense. I started to second guess everything that I'd been told and I'm not fond of unreliable narrators. The book wasn't what I'd hoped for.

not read two times, I just got the edition wrong!
]]> Behind Her Eyes 28965131 Why is everyone talking about the ending of Sarah Pinborough's Behind Her Eyes?

Louise is a single mom, a secretary, stuck in a modern-day rut. On a rare night out, she meets a man in a bar and sparks fly. Though he leaves after they kiss, she’s thrilled she finally connected with someone.

When Louise arrives at work on Monday, she meets her new boss, David. The man from the bar. The very married man from the bar…who says the kiss was a terrible mistake but who still can’t keep his eyes off Louise.

And then Louise bumps into Adele, who’s new to town and in need of a friend, but she also just happens to be married to David. David and Adele look like the picture-perfect husband and wife, but then why is David so controlling, and why is Adele so scared of him?

As Louise is drawn into David and Adele’s orbit, she uncovers more puzzling questions than answers. The only thing that is crystal clear is that something in this marriage is very, very wrong, but Louise can’t guess how wrong―and how far a person might go to protect their marriage’s secrets.]]> 307 Sarah Pinborough 125011117X Barbara 0 3.79 2017 Behind Her Eyes
author: Sarah Pinborough
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2019/09/22
shelves:
review:

]]> The Girls 26210513 California. The summer of 1969. In the dying days of a floundering counter-culture a young girl is unwittingly caught up in unthinkable violence, and a decision made at this moment, on the cusp of adulthood, will shape her life....

Evie Boyd is desperate to be noticed. In the summer of 1969, empty days stretch out under the California sun. The smell of honeysuckle thickens the air and the sidewalks radiate heat.

Until she sees them. The snatch of cold laughter. Hair, long and uncombed. Dirty dresses skimming the tops of thighs. Cheap rings like a second set of knuckles. The girls.

And at the centre, Russell. Russell and the ranch, down a long dirt track and deep in the hills. Incense and clumsily strummed chords. Rumours of sex, frenzied gatherings, teen runaways.

Was there a warning, a sign of things to come? Or is Evie already too enthralled by the girls to see that her life is about to be changed forever?]]> 357 Emma Cline 1784740454 Barbara 0
The biggest problem was that I hated all the characters. Vile, revolting, drug-crazed idiots. Pathetic parents. I didn't feel sorry that Evie was drawn into this horrible world but I should have done. I understand that this was a pastiche of the Manson tragedy but I'd hoped for more. I'm staggered by the professional reviews - I'm clearly unable to see what they did. It was not a book I enjoyed at all.

I have no idea why this says I read it twice. Once was more than enough. LOL]]> 3.56 2016 The Girls
author: Emma Cline
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2019/08/29
date added: 2019/08/29
shelves:
review:
A book that has The Worldwide Bestseller on its cover should be good. I had high hopes. It was a struggle to read it and many times, I thought - why am I bothering? But I kept going thinking there was something I must be missing, some beauty in the language, some twist in the plot... There wasn't. Though I did think some of the descriptions were very well done. Others weren't. The strange grammar aggravated me.

The biggest problem was that I hated all the characters. Vile, revolting, drug-crazed idiots. Pathetic parents. I didn't feel sorry that Evie was drawn into this horrible world but I should have done. I understand that this was a pastiche of the Manson tragedy but I'd hoped for more. I'm staggered by the professional reviews - I'm clearly unable to see what they did. It was not a book I enjoyed at all.

I have no idea why this says I read it twice. Once was more than enough. LOL
]]> The Girls 26893819 355 Emma Cline 081299860X Barbara 0 3.48 2016 The Girls
author: Emma Cline
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2019/08/29
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Temporary Insanity (Temporary: Paul and Indy #1)]]> 45865905 When Paul Davenport comes face to face with the man he caught in bed with his boyfriend years before, it's hate at first sight. Well, second sight. Indy should be apologizing, not flirting. Except the gorgeous barman is completely oblivious to their paths ever having crossed before.

Despite his feelings, Paul's powerless to resist the full-on charm offensive that follows. It's fine though. It's just sex. No emotions. No getting to know each other. Just a bout of temporary insanity that's sure to run its course once the simmering passion starts to wear off.

Only what if it's not? Indy's nothing like the man Paul expected him to be from his past actions. What if they're perfect for each other and Paul's just too stubborn to see it? Forging a relationship with him would require an emotional U-turn Paul might not be capable of making.

There's a thin line between love and hate, and Paul's about to discover just how thin it really is. He can't possibly be falling for the man that ruined his life. Can he?

Warning: This book contains hate sex—sort of, lots of banter, and a pink elephant. No, really it does. Actually, two elephants.

Please note: Although this book is in the Temporary series, it occurs during the same timeline as A Temporary Situation. Therefore, both books can be read as standalones and in any order.]]> 226 H.L. Day Barbara 5 3.94 2019 Temporary Insanity (Temporary: Paul and Indy #1)
author: H.L. Day
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/08/21
date added: 2019/08/21
shelves:
review:
What a good read! The author does a great job of playing up the push me pull you aspect of the story. Paul shouldn’t be attracted to the man he caught in bed with his boyfriend years ago, but he is, no matter how much he tries to deny it. But the barman doesn’t remember their paths ever crossing before which is another source of irritation for Paul. What follows is a funny story that has the guys eventually in each other’s arms but what a great journey they take to get there. Temporary Insanity is such an apt title. Paul is irrational and not thinking straight, but for me, that added to the humour. And isn’t it true that in life, you do occasionally do stupid things, think stupid thoughts? I felt very sorry for Indy who was a saint to put up with all Paul’s crap. As an example of a story where you want to bang heads together but only because the author led you in that direction, this was perfect! There are laugh out loud moments, great character development and a rip-roaring pace. I really enjoyed it.
]]> The Woman at Number 19 46146282
Her only friend is Amy, a young lady who lives close by and visits Esther to keep her company.

Esther’s sister, Charlotte, also visits from time to time but Esther despises her. She believes that Charlotte had an affair with Julian and was planning to run off with him and the children on the same journey that killed her family and left Charlotte seriously injured.

From her window, Esther watches her new neighbour and becomes concerned about the erratic and abusive behaviour she displays towards her husband and children.

Spurred on by her own loneliness and a need to make amends for not being able to save her own children, Esther takes it upon herself to watch the woman who lives at number 19 and keep a record of her cruelty with a mind to reporting it to the authorities.

When unexplainable incidents begin to happen in Esther’s house, she begins to fear for her safety and as more and more strangers appear in her life uninvited, she becomes bewildered and disorientated.

Meanwhile, over at number 19, the woman’s behaviour is becoming more explosive and unpredictable.

As Esther starts to lose her grip on reality, her world begins to unravel, leaving her wondering - just who is this strange woman at number 19 and why is Esther so obsessed with her?]]> 278 J.A. Baker 1912986434 Barbara 0 Anyway - it was a quick read and I did like it but I just wish I'd been able to stay unaware for longer.
Oh darn it - I'm going to put it in a spoiler. [spoilers removed]]]> 3.66 2019 The Woman at Number 19
author: J.A. Baker
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at: 2019/07/30
date added: 2019/07/30
shelves:
review:
It took so little time - just one line - very early on and I knew. I don't even want to say more than that because I would hate to spoil it for anyone. But a description of what she could see made no sense at all and I have to think that the author either meant to give that clue, or didn't notice it was impossible - though she did explain later -unsatisfactorily.
Anyway - it was a quick read and I did like it but I just wish I'd been able to stay unaware for longer.
Oh darn it - I'm going to put it in a spoiler. [spoilers removed]
]]> Normal People 41086877 Librarian note: See an alternate cover edition here.

Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation � awkward but electrifying � something life-changing begins.

Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can’t.]]> 266 Sally Rooney Barbara 0 I absolutely cannot see what everyone - and important everyones, there was a list on Amazon - loves about this book. Talk about emperor's new clothes. I can't even bring myself to write all the things I didn't like about it because it would come over as cruel.
I will say that I'm not the target audience - though I hadn't known that going into it and it doesn't stop me being able to judge it on my terms. It's very much YA and then NA - but it's going to be dramatized on TV - so I wonder who is the audience for that? It has too much sex for NA so...
Basically the story of a girl who is slightly odd and unpopular who gets together with a boy who is very popular. They're together and then they're not and then they are and so it goes on ad infinitum. Not much happens. The popularity pole reverses but by then I didn't care. If it hadn't been that I had to read it for book club - I'd have stopped. ]]> 3.84 2018 Normal People
author: Sally Rooney
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2019/07/29
date added: 2019/07/29
shelves:
review:
A book club choice - not mine. Oh dear. When I saw there were no speech marks, I thought the copy I had was somehow set up wrong, so I looked on Google and found - there were supposed to be none. I was slightly irritated but I did get used to reading without them. A lot of he says, she says though. Present tense mostly too- again not my favourite of tenses to read in. BUT it was a book club choice so I read it.
I absolutely cannot see what everyone - and important everyones, there was a list on Amazon - loves about this book. Talk about emperor's new clothes. I can't even bring myself to write all the things I didn't like about it because it would come over as cruel.
I will say that I'm not the target audience - though I hadn't known that going into it and it doesn't stop me being able to judge it on my terms. It's very much YA and then NA - but it's going to be dramatized on TV - so I wonder who is the audience for that? It has too much sex for NA so...
Basically the story of a girl who is slightly odd and unpopular who gets together with a boy who is very popular. They're together and then they're not and then they are and so it goes on ad infinitum. Not much happens. The popularity pole reverses but by then I didn't care. If it hadn't been that I had to read it for book club - I'd have stopped.
]]> The Walls 32938185 What if you could get away with murder?

Single mom Kristy Tucker works as press agent for the Texas Department of Corrections - handling everything on death row, from inmate interviews to chronicling the last moments during an execution. Her job exposes Kristy to the worst of humanity and it's one that's beginning to take its toll.

So when Kristy meets Lance Dobson, her son's martial arts instructor, she believes she finally found her happy ending. She was wrong.

Kristy soon discovers that Lance is a monster. Forced to endure his verbal and physical abuse, Kristy is serving her own life sentence . . . unless she's willing to take matters into her hands. Perfectly poised to exploit the criminal justice system she knows so well, Kristy sets out to get rid of Lance - permanently.

The Walls explores domestic violence, the morality of murder and how far one woman will go to protect her family.]]> 405 Hollie Overton 1780895097 Barbara 5 4.04 2017 The Walls
author: Hollie Overton
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2019/07/14
date added: 2019/07/14
shelves:
review:
Really enjoyed this - so much so that I went straight to Amazon and bought her first book! The story is basically about domestic abuse and as it says on the front cover - what if murder is your only way out? I thought it was well written and compelling. I did have moments where I had to stop reading because it was almost too stressful. I know nothing about the prison system in the States - but it sounded authentic to me. I was taken deep inside Kristy Tucker's head and felt what she went through. I loved the later reaction to what had happened (don't want to spoil) - the relationship with her son and Pops. It was a very good book.
]]> Vadim (Constantin Vadim #3) 2110937
Chief Inspector Constantin Vadim is seconded to a pro-Russian candidate whose wife has been threatened. As Rushton's campaign gathers pace, so too do the threats. Conspiracy within and without threaten to derail the one remaining hope for Russia as the campaign headquarters are stunned by a sequence of killings. Someone has been paid to silence some of Rushton's closest supporters, but why? And why does the killer use the execution techniques of the previous century to eliminate his victims?]]> 352 Donald James 0712684190 Barbara 5 3.87 2001 Vadim (Constantin Vadim #3)
author: Donald James
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 2019/06/12
date added: 2019/06/12
shelves:
review:
I loved this. Exciting, page turning - I was reading on the exercise bike and stayed on for another 30 minutes to finish it! So many twists and turns and I was always surprised. I liked the basis for the story - written in 2001 but set in 2020 - a little close for comfort. Clever thriller.
]]> The Charm School 40606265 644 Nelson DeMille Barbara 5 4.35 1988 The Charm School
author: Nelson DeMille
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/30
date added: 2019/05/30
shelves:
review:
I've read The Charm School three times now, and for me, it gets better every time. I know it might be considered a little old-fashioned but it's just got everything. Interesting characters, snarky humour, a real taste of Russia, and a page turning intensity that means it's hard to put down. It makes me laugh and cry and keeps me on the edge of my seat. If I had to choose just ten of my books to take with me to a desert island, this would be one of them. Brilliant!
]]> Shining in the Sun 8313689 169 Alex Beecroft Barbara 5 3.70 2010 Shining in the Sun
author: Alex Beecroft
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2019/05/16
date added: 2019/05/16
shelves:
review:
Really enjoyed this well-written book. Great balance of prose and dialogue. I liked the flawed characters. Didn't matter that they were at times unlikeable. That's life! It had me turning pages late into the night. Rich guy meets poor guy is an old theme but well done here. A rich cast of secondary characters too. I was a bit unsure about the ending but I'm happy I read this!
]]> <![CDATA[The Tattooist of Auschwitz (The Tattooist of Auschwitz, #1)]]> 38359036 äٴǷɾ (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov's experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.]]> 272 Heather Morris 006287067X Barbara 0 I suppose the bottom line is that I'm not comfortable reading a semi-factual romance set in a concentration camp. I hadn't known I'd feel like that when I went in. I've read lots of books about the war, about prisoners and their escape attempts but it was the romance part of this that I struggled with. Then I felt mean because these people actually existed, loved, lived, survived until the start of the 21st century. So I can't give a rating. I feel it's inappropriate but this isn't a book that worked for me.]]> 4.32 2018 The Tattooist of Auschwitz (The Tattooist of Auschwitz, #1)
author: Heather Morris
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2019/05/15
date added: 2019/05/15
shelves:
review:
Well - this was a bookclub choice - not mine and I'm sorry to say I didn't much like it. I hate to say that bearing in mind the subject matter but the book left me cold. I felt even more upset that it was based on the truth because I wished it hadn't been. It would have been more a comfortable read. It didn't seem horrifying enough to me. The holocaust was so awful, the concentration camps, the gas ovens etc and this story seemed to be too light. Stories of sneaked in chocolate and sausage, trying to get nylons - (what the hell for???) - it all seemed frivolous. I get that it was a love story set in desperate times, a love story that survived one of the worst periods of history but for me, it was too shallow and I didn't get to really understand the characters.
I suppose the bottom line is that I'm not comfortable reading a semi-factual romance set in a concentration camp. I hadn't known I'd feel like that when I went in. I've read lots of books about the war, about prisoners and their escape attempts but it was the romance part of this that I struggled with. Then I felt mean because these people actually existed, loved, lived, survived until the start of the 21st century. So I can't give a rating. I feel it's inappropriate but this isn't a book that worked for me.
]]> Dead Soul Mary 42931692
"Excellent... Well crafted..."
--The Eternal Night
Can Megan stop the plague of violence before it becomes unstoppable?
That's the question raised in DEAD SOUL MARY, a literary horror novel in the traditions of Richard Matheson, Clive Barker, and Stephen King.
(From the back of the book) Megan Bauer, a spirited seventeen-year-old high school student, didn't know souls could become sick. She didn't know souls could die while the host lives on, unaware. But she's going to find out. Within M.J. Winn's chilling horror novel, DEAD SOUL MARY, Megan must save good people from brutally turning against one another in unprovoked, bloodthirsty rages. But is there time? For she must first defeat her own demons before taking on the utterly terrifying one that is incubating an evil, supernatural virus. Can Megan stop the plague of violence before it becomes unstoppable?
"...a feast of fine reading that any horror connoisseur could appreciate"
--Post Mortem Magazine
Because the characters matter...
Consider "The Walking Dead," the most watched cable television series today. It's killing in the ratings although the carnage within the show is secondary to its rich character development and engaging storylines. Likewise, M.J. Winn also develops characters in order to make the terror lunge off the page and into the minds of readers.
"To his credit, the author's writing style and command of language is both original and refreshing... In addition, M.J. Winn is quite capable at character development. Horror fiction especially can fall prey to writers who can only produce cardboard cutouts in which the reader soon loses interest. Winn's protagonists become more and more alive with each scary turn of the page."
--ForewordReviews.com
Dead Soul Mary is a thrilling, character-driven horror novel written for people who like to be kept up late.
Because the writing style matters...
M.J. Winn writes with well-formed prose, dark humor, and painstaking care.
"In M.J. Winn's work I can see shades of the most popular modern horror writers. And yet his dry, witty observations, his attention to detail, uncluttered prose and superbly rounded characters give it a style all of its own.
-- Paul Kane, author of Alone (In the Dark) and Touching the Flame
Because the story matters...
DEAD SOUL MARY is deceptively simple. Megan Bauer, a young Korean-American girl must combat a sociopath, a delusional "Typhoid Mary" who is purposely spreading a virus that infects not the physical being, but a person's very essence. The disease attacks the inner duality of human nature that exists within each of us. Right and wrong become shuffled. Savage acts of violence follow. Once the illness gets a foothold, the corrupted soul soon dies, and the host is consumed by hate. Desmond, a brutal, career criminal, willfully infects innocent people. Megan becomes one of his victims. Before she can save society, she must first save herself.
It's always a pleasant discovery to find a new author able to write dark fiction in an appealing way, to deal with horrific themes without resorting to gore and carnage, to unnerve the readers without disgusting them with grand-guignolesque scenarios. Michael Winn is such an author.
--Bookideas
Because the author matters...
M.J. Winn is a writer and a police officer who lives in Long Island, New York.
"M.J. Winn will soon be linked to the other great suspense horror writers and will soon be asked to join their club.
--ScribesWorld Reviews
Dead Soul Mary is quality fiction written for a discerning, mature readership...

because good books matter .]]> 0 Michael Winn 0984026940 Barbara 4 3.73 2018 Dead Soul Mary
author: Michael Winn
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2019/04/22
shelves:
review:
A good read. It did take me a while to get into the flow and it felt overly long but the more I read, the more I liked it. It certainly is a very different type of psychological thriller. There are twists and turns that I didn't see coming and that made a refreshing change. The pace wasn't as fast as I'd have liked it to be, too slow in places, but towards the end it really was a page turner. Interesting characters, interesting set up and some shocking moments! I'd have loved it had it been a bit shorter!
]]> On Davis Row 36668702
Brand-new parole officer Noah Huxley is determined to see the good in men like CJ. After all, he knows firsthand that bad things can happen to good people. His colleagues mock his doe-eyed optimism, but Noah soon sees CJ’s bad attitude and bravado are weapons he uses to keep people at a distance.

Both men know one simple mistake can change a life forever. At first glance, they might seem to be polar opposites. Yet underneath, they're not that different at all.]]> 330 N.R. Walker Barbara 5 4.31 2017 On Davis Row
author: N.R. Walker
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2019/03/21
date added: 2019/03/22
shelves:
review:
After a number of - I just can't bring myself to finish this - books, On Davis Row was a breath of fresh air. I had insomnia - I read it all in one go and then I definitely couldn't sleep! It was a gentle, slow burn of a story. Two fascinating protagonists, great additional characters - particularly Pops. Well written, well paced, little touches of humour - this is in many ways quite a dark story, but I never felt bogged down in it. The tension towards the end was brilliantly done. I had thoughts about what might happen and I was wrong. I LOVED that! An excellent read.
]]> Don't... (Don't... #1) 43832948
“Don’t� bleed for me.� ~ the Unknown.

Saying Don’t around Jack Harrison always did lead him into dangerous grounds on London streets. But now someone knows Jack’s head inside and out, and they’re about to twist all perception and lead him into an underground depravity that nearly sent him down in his youth. As Jack slips further into a dark psychological minefield, only two men offer different paths back to sanity: Gray, a man who knows Jack’s every dark thought, and Jan, the first man to show Jack a “soft lad� approach to head and heart. But with deadly games and ghosts bleeding through into Jack’s reality, it’s a fight to see who out of the three of them will survive long enough to find a way out of the vicious game played by someone known only as� the Unknown.]]> 497 Jack L. Pyke Barbara 5 The characters! Jack is probably my favourite character ever � messed up as he is. But I love messed up boys. In this newly edited version Jan made far more sense to me. I felt I got to know him better, understood and appreciated the lengths he was prepared to go to, to make Jack his. He’s a vastly improved character in this new version. Then there is Gray- the Master Dom, the controller, the man who understands human need and yet seems to be inhuman himself. Still…he is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. He has a heart! But it’s deeply hidden in his chest.
The plot! I won’t rehash. You need to discover it for yourself. But this is a book about journeys. All three guys are on one � paths occasionally crossing � to reach a greater understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Gray might think he knows it all but there are chinks in his armour and I defy anyone to not to need to keep reading this series to find out more about him.
The writing! Very good. A few quirks of style that I thought might be slips until I registered they were deliberate. The story flows and I read it in one sitting. (and will be reading it again shortly! LOL)
I need to hold my hand up here and say I don’t read much (if any) BDSM. I’ve read enough to know that Don’t is way ahead of the competition. The author understands that arena, makes the reader understand it and in an amazing way, makes this reader (who isn’t in to this sort of thing) want to grab Jack Pyke’s next book and the next and devour them.
]]> 4.02 2012 Don't... (Don't... #1)
author: Jack L. Pyke
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/28
date added: 2019/02/28
shelves:
review:
Don’t…read this! Well, you’d have to read it to get what I mean which is DO READ THIS. Don’t is a book you MUST read. It’s absolutely hypnotic. I read it several years ago, was blown away, and now I’ve read it again and am equally blown away. When you get to the end of a book and straight away feel you need to start reading it again � THAT is the sign of a great story. I have to admit, the more I read, the more I rushed � I likely missed bits in the last few chapters but this story drags the reader at a breakneck pace.
The characters! Jack is probably my favourite character ever � messed up as he is. But I love messed up boys. In this newly edited version Jan made far more sense to me. I felt I got to know him better, understood and appreciated the lengths he was prepared to go to, to make Jack his. He’s a vastly improved character in this new version. Then there is Gray- the Master Dom, the controller, the man who understands human need and yet seems to be inhuman himself. Still…he is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. He has a heart! But it’s deeply hidden in his chest.
The plot! I won’t rehash. You need to discover it for yourself. But this is a book about journeys. All three guys are on one � paths occasionally crossing � to reach a greater understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Gray might think he knows it all but there are chinks in his armour and I defy anyone to not to need to keep reading this series to find out more about him.
The writing! Very good. A few quirks of style that I thought might be slips until I registered they were deliberate. The story flows and I read it in one sitting. (and will be reading it again shortly! LOL)
I need to hold my hand up here and say I don’t read much (if any) BDSM. I’ve read enough to know that Don’t is way ahead of the competition. The author understands that arena, makes the reader understand it and in an amazing way, makes this reader (who isn’t in to this sort of thing) want to grab Jack Pyke’s next book and the next and devour them.

]]> A Dance Too Far (Too Far #1) 44027062
Valentin Bychkov, rising star of contemporary Russian ballet, appears to have everything: wealth, talent, success, and a face and body to match. Not that anyone can get close. Bypass the entourage and there's still Valentin's sharp tongue and acerbic wit to deal with. He may give his body freely, but his emotions are kept tightly locked away.

Max Farley's life is a simple one. All he's interested in is work, drinking, and picking up the latest in a long line of one-night stands. The way he chooses to live may not be to everyone's taste but it suits him down to the ground. He's never met anyone who's made him want to confront the demons from his past. Until now.

A show in London brings the two together. Lust brings them closer still. But if rumors of Bratva connections turn out to be true, then dangerous men wait in the wings. One dangerous man in particular, who's used to people following his orders without question.

Difficult choices need to be made on both sides. Valentin and Max need to stop playing with fire and let each other go, or face the consequences. But letting go isn't that easy where love is concerned.

And some things are worth the risk.

Warning: This book contains a snarky ballet dancer with an aversion to clothes, a little too much wall sex and an overabundance of Russian heavies.
]]> 318 H.L. Day Barbara 5 It’s well written, a page turner, sexy and exciting in equal measures. HL Day does a very good job in showing us character development happening throughout the book. The pace never slackens. The detail on the dancing is well researched and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The cover says it all!
]]> 3.91 2019 A Dance Too Far (Too Far #1)
author: H.L. Day
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2019/02/14
date added: 2019/02/16
shelves:
review:
A very enjoyable romantic suspense with two intriguing, attractive leads. Valentin, the Russian ballet dancer is arrogant, seemingly cold and can deliver cuts that could draw blood! Max is a love-them and leave-them type until he sets eyes on Valentin. But the path of true love � or even lust � definitely does not run smoothly. Add in the Russian mafiya and the manipulative Dimitry and both Valentin and Max have to fight for a future together.
It’s well written, a page turner, sexy and exciting in equal measures. HL Day does a very good job in showing us character development happening throughout the book. The pace never slackens. The detail on the dancing is well researched and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The cover says it all!

]]> Tell Me a Secret 41672935 'Brilliant, with completely unexpected twists' Gill Sims, bestselling author of Why Mummy Drinks

Is she your best friend, or your worst enemy?
__________

Best friends Holly and Roz tell each other everything.

So when Holly gets a shot at her dream job she assumes Roz will be waiting to pop the champagne.

But is she just imagining things or is Roz not quite as happy as she should be?

And now she thinks about it, a few things don't quite add up...

Perhaps it was a mistake to tell Roz all her secrets.

Because it takes two to tango. But only one to start a war...
___________
FROM THE MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF FAKING FRIENDS AND MY SWEET REVENGE

'She's the queen of the revenge novel and Jane Fallon's done it again' Heat

'Another winner from Jane Fallon' Hello!

'Compelling, edgy, beautifully written . . . always a joy.' Daily Mail

'It's FABALISS. I was SO GRIPPED' Marian Keyes on Faking Friends]]> 404 Jane Fallon 1405933135 Barbara 0 3.83 2019 Tell Me a Secret
author: Jane Fallon
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at: 2019/02/08
date added: 2019/02/08
shelves:
review:
A familiar plot but handled in a deft way. Someone at work not quite being what you thought. I had to smile at the amount of work these people seemed to do - not a lot. It was a quick read and I sort of enjoyed it but I didn't like the protracted happy ever after last couple of chapters. It wasn't needed. I've preferred her other books but this one is worth a read if you like office intrigue.
]]> The Perfect Girlfriend 31113934 YOU’VE NEVER READ A LOVE STORY AS TWISTED AS THIS.

Juliette loves Nate.

She will follow him anywhere. She’s even become a flight attendant for his airline so she can keep a closer eye on him.

They are meant to be.

The fact that Nate broke up with her six months ago means nothing. Because Juliette has a plan to win him back.

She is the perfect girlfriend. And she’ll make sure no one stops her from getting exactly what she wants.

True love hurts, but Juliette knows it’s worth all the pain...]]> 359 Karen Hamilton 1472244265 Barbara 0 3.41 2018 The Perfect Girlfriend
author: Karen Hamilton
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.41
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2019/02/05
date added: 2019/02/05
shelves:
review:
I should have known better than to buy a book about stalking! The whole idea of it makes me very uncomfortable and this book made me anxious! That's not necessarily a bad thing. For a first novel, this was at times gripping, but for me, it went on too long. I know stalking can be an insidious drawn out business but I did feel there was a lot of repetition. The whole tale is from the girlfriend's POV and since she is clearly mentally ill - it's necessary to suspend disbelief at times. How on earth she managed to compartmentalize quite so efficiently, I have no idea. But it was an enjoyable if uncomfortable read until I got to the end. I did not like the end at all. I won't say anymore for fear of spoiling it but I was disappointed and not satisfied.
]]> I Invited Her In 39084613 A gripping story of friendship and betrayal from international best-selling author Adele Parks

‘I invited her in� and she took everything.�

When Mel hears from a long-lost friend in need of help, she doesn’t hesitate to invite her to stay. Mel and Abi were best friends back in the day, sharing the highs and lows of student life, until Mel’s unplanned pregnancy made her drop out of her studies.

Now, seventeen years later, Mel and Abi’s lives couldn’t be more different. Mel is happily married, having raised her son on her own before meeting her husband, Ben. Now they share gorgeous girls and have a chaotic but happy family home, with three children.

Abi, meanwhile, followed her lover to LA for a glamorous life of parties, celebrity and indulgence. Everything was perfect, until she discovered her partner had been cheating on her. Seventeen years wasted, and nothing to show for it. So what Abi needs now is a true friend to lean on, to share her grief over a glass of wine, and to have some time to heal. And what better place than Mel’s house, with her lovely kids, and supportive husband�

This dark, unsettling tale of the reunion of long-lost friends is thoroughly gripping exploration of wanting what you can’t have, jealousy and revenge from Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks.

]]> 498 Adele Parks Barbara 0 I guessed the truth. I guessed what was going to happen but that didn't matter. I DID like the way it played out in the quest for revenge. I'm not going to spoil it by giving details. But my heart did hurt for Mel then. The scenario was totally believable, sadly. Overall - I'm glad I read it, but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. ]]> 3.69 2019 I Invited Her In
author: Adele Parks
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at: 2019/02/01
date added: 2019/02/01
shelves:
review:
I've read all of Adele Parks' books. She's an auto-buy for me but I wasn't as keen on the one before this and I wasn't uber keen on this one. Ms Parks is very good at drawing characters and somehow these fell a little flat for me. Mel was so weak, I wanted to slap her. The problem was that we're expected to feel sorry for her having this viper in her nest but all she had to do was say - leave. The first half went on too long. I'd have liked to see more excuses for her staying with Mel and that might have convinced me.
I guessed the truth. I guessed what was going to happen but that didn't matter. I DID like the way it played out in the quest for revenge. I'm not going to spoil it by giving details. But my heart did hurt for Mel then. The scenario was totally believable, sadly. Overall - I'm glad I read it, but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to.
]]> The Toymakers 34846987
The Emporium opens with the first frost of winter. It is the same every year. Across the city, when children wake to see ferns of white stretched across their windows, or walk to school to hear ice crackling underfoot, the whispers begin: the Emporium is open!

It is 1917, and London has spent years in the shadow of the First World War. In the heart of Mayfair, though, there is a place of hope. A place where children’s dreams can come true, where the impossible becomes possible � that place is Papa Jack’s Toy Emporium.

For years Papa Jack has created and sold his famous magical toys: hobby horses, patchwork dogs and bears that seem alive, toy boxes bigger on the inside than out, ‘instant trees� that sprout from boxes, tin soldiers that can fight battles on their own. Now his sons, Kaspar and Emil, are just old enough to join the family trade. Into this family comes a young Cathy Wray � homeless and vulnerable. The Emporium takes her in, makes her one of its own. But Cathy is about to discover that while all toy shops are places of wonder, only one is truly magical...]]> 469 Robert Dinsdale 1473551609 Barbara 5 It is so nearly a story that would appeal to all ages. I would love to read this to my grandsons but they're just too little to cope with some aspects of it. I can see it as a film - it would be fantastic - but the time period covered would I suspect make it difficult.
If you like heart warming stories, but stories with a bit of an edge, if you love toys, if you ever had a favourite toy - read this book!
]]> 3.92 2018 The Toymakers
author: Robert Dinsdale
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2019/01/29
date added: 2019/01/29
shelves:
review:
A magical tale that wove a fantasy that drew me in and made me feel I'd visited the emporium. I loved the detail on the toys. I loved the message about the soldiers. The writing was smooth. The pace perfect and I cried at the end. With happiness. I don't often do that when I'm reading. I won't forget this story. I loved it.
It is so nearly a story that would appeal to all ages. I would love to read this to my grandsons but they're just too little to cope with some aspects of it. I can see it as a film - it would be fantastic - but the time period covered would I suspect make it difficult.
If you like heart warming stories, but stories with a bit of an edge, if you love toys, if you ever had a favourite toy - read this book!

]]> <![CDATA[Hurting Distance (Spilling CID, #2)]]> 1384415 408 Sophie Hannah 034084034X Barbara 4 3.74 2007 Hurting Distance (Spilling CID, #2)
author: Sophie Hannah
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 2012/04/24
date added: 2019/01/28
shelves:
review:
I love the tangled web that Ms Hannah weaves in this story. The subject matter is grim - which makes the book rather dark, but psychological suspense stories that are so well written hook me every time. Read it two bites and only a desperate desire for sleep made me put it down. Other have outlined the plot far better than I can so I won't do that. The changing perspectives threw me a little - but didn't spoil my enjoyment of this journey into obsesssive love and damaged psyches.
]]> Tragic (Rook and Ronin, #1) 17404203
Because life so far � just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky�

Rook got a second chance.

And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone � you grab it with both hands and run.

Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.

Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s camera.

Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay � and Rook is about to get the bill.

New Adult Contemporary Romance *Mature Content* Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language usage]]> 282 J.A. Huss 1936413213 Barbara 0

Edited to add - if I've missed something - someone please tell me!!! I really am intrigued. I even asked a photographer who takes erotic photographs but he couldn't help. ]]> 3.98 2013 Tragic (Rook and Ronin, #1)
author: J.A. Huss
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at: 2019/01/15
date added: 2019/01/17
shelves:
review:
I've had this book a long while and only just gotten around to reading it. I'm left in a bit of a dilemma. Lovely writing. Very easy to read. I liked the characters even when they were being horrible. BUT - the premise I just didn't understand. She's employed as a model (erotic) for the Tragic campaign but what is this campaign? Who is it for? The point is made that photos not used may be sold to a stock photo site for use on book covers etc but who is this Tragic campaign for? Perfume?? Clothes?? The bike campaign is totally understandable but I began to think I'd missed something to explain how this all worked? The single male model IN CHARGE of all the female models. Looking after them but why?? I just felt I needed more explanation of the set up. The relationship element I got - again - lovely writing if you accept the weird behaviour - but I did accept it and ran with it. But the premise - no.


Edited to add - if I've missed something - someone please tell me!!! I really am intrigued. I even asked a photographer who takes erotic photographs but he couldn't help.
]]> Gone 1822026 10 Kit Craig 0425139441 Barbara 5 3.01 1992 Gone
author: Kit Craig
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.01
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at: 2019/01/16
date added: 2019/01/16
shelves:
review:
I really liked this. I read a lot of psychological thrillers and this is an old one. It dates back to 1992! But it stands up with the more recent ones I've read and is better than many. No need to worry about making batteries dead on mobiles or losing them because they weren't common then. The story was fast moving, exciting and while a bit far fetched in places, riveting! 3 kids wake to find their mother is missing - they're Navy kids and follow orders. But should they be following the orders of the man who comes into their life?
]]> Dark Space (Dark Space, #1) 16174363
Cameron Rushton needs a heartbeat. Four years ago Cam was taken by the Faceless—the alien race that almost destroyed Earth. Now he's back, and when the doctors make a mess of getting him out of stasis, Brady becomes his temporary human pacemaker. Except they're sharing more than a heartbeat: they're sharing thoughts, memories, and some very vivid dreams.

Not that Brady's got time to worry about his growing attraction to another guy, especially the one guy in the universe who can read his mind. It doesn't mean anything. It's just biochemistry and electrical impulses. It doesn't change the truth: Brady's alone in the universe.

Now the Faceless are coming and there's nothing anyone can do. You can't stop your nightmares. Cam says everyone will live, but Cam's probably a traitor and a liar like the military thinks. But that's okay. Guys like Brady don't expect happy endings.]]> 216 Lisa Henry 1623001129 Barbara 5 4.00 2012 Dark Space (Dark Space, #1)
author: Lisa Henry
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2019/01/15
date added: 2019/01/15
shelves:
review:
Really liked it. Fast moving. Exciting. Loved the concept! I just wish it was one story that ended at the end but that's me, I like single tales rather than series.
]]> <![CDATA[The Rise and Fall of Becky Sharp]]> 39844198
Becky Sharp has big dreams and no connections. Determined to swap the gutters of Soho for the glamorous, exclusive world behind the velvet rope, Becky will do anything to achieve fame, riches and status.

Whether it’s seducing society’s most eligible bachelors, or befriending silly debutantes and rich old ladies, Becky Sharp is destined for great things. Because it might be tough at the top but it’s worse at the bottom.

From London to Paris and beyond, Becky Sharp is going places � so get the hell out of her way…]]> 400 Sarra Manning Barbara 0 3.45 2018 The Rise and Fall of Becky Sharp
author: Sarra Manning
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2018/10/12
date added: 2018/12/31
shelves:
review:
I haven't read Vanity Fair - or if I did it was so many years ago I've forgotten. Do you need to have read it to enjoy this? Probably not, but I felt as though I was missing a whole element because I hadn't read the original. I didn't like Becky at all and I know we are supposed to like and loathe her but I do need a character to root for and I didn't really get one. She seemed too cruel and uncaring to me and the moments when she wasn't - felt odd. I LOVE Sarra Manning. Unsticky is one of my favourite books but this one - I wouldn't reread and I won't keep.
]]> Salt Magic, Skin Magic 40722060
To set Thornby free, both men must face life-changing truths—and John must accept that the brave, witty man who’s winning his heart may also be about to break it. Can they escape a web of magic that’s as perilous as love?]]> 241 Lee Welch 0473444518 Barbara 5 4.03 2018 Salt Magic, Skin Magic
author: Lee Welch
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/11/24
date added: 2018/11/24
shelves:
review:
Loved it. Beautifully written, engaging characters, interesting plot and a twist I hadn't seen coming. One of the best in this genre that I've read.
]]> The Girl on Camera 40717672 Alternate cover edition for ASIN B07BH8HW6T
For previous cover edition see here

Reality TV is about to get real...

"Are you ready to win the heart of the nation? Compete with seven other contestants for the cash prize? Change your life forever?"

Twenty-six-year old Rory Stevens is thrilled to be selected as one of eight contestants for new reality show: The Retreat.

However, on the second day of filming - during a televised broadcast from the show's host - all power shuts off with no explanation: leaving the contestants, quite literally, in the dark.

Completely stranded, it is now up to Rory and her seven companions to figure out what is happening.

Then one of them disappears...

For fans of Naomi Alderman, Dave Eggers and John Marrs.]]> 299 M.D. Campbell Barbara 0 3.20 2018 The Girl on Camera
author: M.D. Campbell
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2018/11/19
date added: 2018/11/19
shelves:
review:
Interesting premise though not original but I was sufficiently intrigued to keep reading. BUT what I couldn't figure out was how people who'd signed up for a reality TV show wouldn't know that EVERY SOLITARY thing they said or did would be seen and heard. Prior to Big Brother I could have accepted they maybe didn't but this one fact - ignoring other issues - made the book not work for me. I think it needed a lot more work on character development to make me really feel what these guys were going through. What did they really learn? I'm not sure.
]]> Cicada Spring 39292485 A brutal sexual assault, a serial killer, and a shocking accusation rock the small New England town of Heartsridge, Massachusetts. . .

On a warm May evening in the spring of 1979, the people of Heartsridge, Massachusetts, are living the American dream. Families are gathered for barbecues. Kids are playing in front yards. Gardens are being kept. Meanwhile, Kara Price stumbles home through the woods, raped and beaten, her life shattered by a wicked act of violence, perpetrated by one of the town’s most beloved and public figures.

Surrounding Kara is a cast of compelling and nefarious characters—a violent-tempered mayor who can do no wrong in the eyes of the town, a sheriff bound by the rules and plagued by a guilty conscience, a father bent on revenge, a serial killer in the midst of an identity crisis. And at the center of it all there's Kara, who just wants to move on with her life and forget everything that happened to her. But how can she do that when everyone thinks she is a liar who is only out for attention? With plot and emotion braided together by a careful hand, this haunted group of people all acting on behalf of their own interests begs the question: How far would you go to protect your own?]]> 368 Christian Galacar Barbara 4 4.15 2015 Cicada Spring
author: Christian Galacar
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2018/11/10
date added: 2018/11/10
shelves:
review:
I enjoyed this. I found it very readable and horribly possible. Yes, it did veer off into - what the heck - a couple of times but compared to some I've read recently, this is one I'd recc - provided you can cope with violence and not just to people!
]]> Macbeth 33952851 512 Jo Nesbø 1781090262 Barbara 0 So it's a book that I found rather disappointing. It does NOT put me off the author, but if he decided to write another book based on a Shakespeare play, I won't be reading it.]]> 3.42 2018 Macbeth
author: Jo Nesbø
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2018/11/08
date added: 2018/11/08
shelves:
review:
I find myself unable to give a rating to this book. I have really enjoyed all of Mr. Nesbo's previous novels. I went into this one open minded and struggled from the start. I've studied the Shakespeare play so I know it in some detail and using a dark, dreary Scottish town to show the terrible corrupt behaviour of the police force - with the Macbeth plot - works as an idea. But what the book isn't - is a riveting read. It was a slog to read. I almost gave up a few times but didn't want it to beat me. The prose is - unusual - a mix of Shakespeare type sayings in a modern style but stilted - and not always in a good way. But I coped with that. What I didn't cope with was the lack of anyone to like. Not that the play is a bundle of laughs but this is a long book and full of fury and blackness and deceit. It's not for the fainthearted. The other issue is that although Mr. Nesbo does have some twists - as he plays around with the original, anyone who has read Macbeth (the play) or seen it, knows what's going to happen and so the element of surprise, the pull to read on, is muted.
So it's a book that I found rather disappointing. It does NOT put me off the author, but if he decided to write another book based on a Shakespeare play, I won't be reading it.
]]> <![CDATA[A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)]]> 8667848
Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism.]]> 592 Deborah Harkness 0670022411 Barbara 0 Diana is an academic - spends day after day researching, making notes - something that requires great patience - yes? Yet toward the end of the book, when she need to learn how to harness her powers as a witch - she claims she's too impatient. What??? Further more - the contrived way in which Matthew is attacked with such simple ease - left me boggling. Too many names beginning with M. Matthew, Marcus, Miriam, Marthe - All main characters. Too many POV slips.
The detail was both entrancing and annoying. Too much of it with not enough emotion to balance it out. As a lover of romances, this element of the book was disappointing. I don't need graphic details but the two MCs didn't gel for me. Just saying you love one another isn't enough. I DID like the mix of creatures, the politics of it all. In a 300 page book, with a bit more romance, it would probably have been a 4 star read. But then to get to the end and find there are two more books to come? No, not for me.

Well I'm a few episodes into the TV series and I'm liking it! Much more pacey!]]> 4.01 2011 A Discovery of Witches (All Souls, #1)
author: Deborah Harkness
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at: 2018/11/04
date added: 2018/11/04
shelves:
review:
I loved the ideas but the book was far too long to carry them. In a shorter novel it probably would have been great but it was a struggle to keep reading.I can only assume that someone thought the longer the better - but that's not true.
Diana is an academic - spends day after day researching, making notes - something that requires great patience - yes? Yet toward the end of the book, when she need to learn how to harness her powers as a witch - she claims she's too impatient. What??? Further more - the contrived way in which Matthew is attacked with such simple ease - left me boggling. Too many names beginning with M. Matthew, Marcus, Miriam, Marthe - All main characters. Too many POV slips.
The detail was both entrancing and annoying. Too much of it with not enough emotion to balance it out. As a lover of romances, this element of the book was disappointing. I don't need graphic details but the two MCs didn't gel for me. Just saying you love one another isn't enough. I DID like the mix of creatures, the politics of it all. In a 300 page book, with a bit more romance, it would probably have been a 4 star read. But then to get to the end and find there are two more books to come? No, not for me.

Well I'm a few episodes into the TV series and I'm liking it! Much more pacey!
]]> <![CDATA[Strange Practice (Dr. Greta Helsing, #1)]]> 32452160
Until a sect of murderous monks emerges, killing human and undead Londoners alike. As terror takes hold of the city, Greta must use her unusual skills to stop the cult if she hopes to save her practice, and her life.]]> 320 Vivian Shaw Barbara 4 3.82 2017 Strange Practice (Dr. Greta Helsing, #1)
author: Vivian Shaw
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/10/10
date added: 2018/10/10
shelves:
review:
I enjoyed this. It was different, quirky and kept me reading. I liked the cast of characters - all different enough to keep track of though there were a lot of them. I did have to backtrack a few times when the point of view changed and I was unclear as to whose head we were in but it wasn't a major issue. But although I did enjoy it, I somehow don't really want to read another one in the series. That's me - rather than any issue with the book. I think I prefer one offs - and this works as that even knowing more will follow.
]]> You Me Everything 36077170 Set in the French countryside on an idyllic summer vacation, a delicious, tender novel about finding joy and love even in the most unexpected places.

Jess and her ten-year-old son William set off to spend the summer at Château de Roussignol, deep in the rich, sunlit hills of the Dordogne. There, Jess’s ex-boyfriend—and William’s father—Adam, runs a beautiful hotel in a restored castle. Lush gardens, a gorgeous pool, delectable French food, and a seemingly never-ending wine list—what’s not to like? Jess is bowled over by what Adam has accomplished, but she’s in France for a much more urgent reason: to make Adam fall in love with his own son.

But Adam has other ideas, and another girlfriend—and he doesn’t seem inclined to change the habits of a lifetime just because Jess and William have appeared on the scene. Jess isn’t surprised, but William—who has quickly come to idolize his father—wants nothing more than to spend time with him. But Jess can’t allow Adam to let their son down—because she is tormented by a secret of her own, one that nobody—especially William—must discover.

By turns heartwrenching and hopeful, You Me Everything is a novel about one woman's fierce determination to grab hold of the family she has and never let go, and a romantic story as heady as a crisp Sancerre on a summer day.]]> 353 Catherine Isaac 0735224536 Barbara 0 3.81 2018 You Me Everything
author: Catherine Isaac
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at: 2018/10/05
date added: 2018/10/05
shelves:
review:
Oh dear. I am in the minority yet again. It was nothing like - Me Before You - but even saying that on the cover/inside - wherever it was - implies a theme and sort of gives things away. I wasn't convinced by what happened at the end. I feel the reason for a certain person's behaviour that led to the rest of the story and was revealed at the end was weak. I got what was being said about live each day that you have, but too much lack of communication caused unneeded issues, imo. It was an okay read but not more than that for me. But I'm really picky. At least I finished it.
]]> Slow Heat (Heat of Love, #1) 34233780 A lustful young alpha meets his match in an older omega with a past.

Professor Vale Aman has crafted a good life for himself. An unbonded omega in his mid-thirties, he's long since given up hope that he'll meet a compatible alpha, let alone his destined mate. He's fulfilled by his career, his poetry, his cat, and his friends.

When Jason Sabel, a much younger alpha, imprints on Vale in a shocking and public way, longings are ignited that can't be ignored. Fighting their strong sexual urges, Jason and Vale must agree to contract with each other before they can consummate their passion.

But for Vale, being with Jason means giving up his independence and placing his future in the hands of an untested alpha--as well as facing the scars of his own tumultuous past. He isn't sure it's worth it. But Jason isn't giving up his destined mate without a fight.

This is a stand alone gay romance novel, 118,000 words, with a strong happy ending, as well as a well-crafted, non-shifter omegaverse, with alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. Content warning for pregnancy loss and aftermath.]]> 436 Leta Blake 1626227632 Barbara 0 3.91 2017 Slow Heat (Heat of Love, #1)
author: Leta Blake
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/10/05
shelves:
review:

]]> One Little Lie 39090536
Deborah’s son was killed four years ago.
Alice’s son is in prison for committing that crime.

Deborah would give anything to have her boy back, and Alice would do anything to right her son’s wrongs.

Driven by guilt and the need for redemption, Alice has started a support group for parents with troubled children. But as the network begins to grow, she soon finds out just how easy it is for one little lie to spiral out of control�

They call it mother’s intuition, but can you ever really know your own child?

A twisty and unnerving thriller about the price of motherhood and the unthinkable things we do to protect our children. Perfect for fans of B A Paris and Clare Mackintosh.]]> 386 Sam Carrington 0008259828 Barbara 0 3.70 2018 One Little Lie
author: Sam Carrington
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2018/10/03
shelves:
review:
Oh dear. I nearly gave up with this one. It took quite a time for me to get my head around who was who. This is always an issue when I book has a lot of points of view. I liked the basis of the story but the characters were all too similar. There wasn't enough differentiating them. Plus having so many viewpoints meant the pace was slow. Very slow. It just wasn't as exciting as I'd hoped it would be -but the premise? Yes, that was great. Mothers, dead sons, live sons and lies!
]]> In Heaven and Earth 25892668
As ex-military doctor Reuben Cooper explores the illusory rose garden of Vairya’s memory, where Vairya himself flirts and hides among the flowers, he discovers a terrible threat, not just to the crew of the Juniper but to all humanity.

Can four doctors and a cyborg fight a merciless enemy that can kill with a touch?


This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is an Open Road" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Photo Description:
A cyborg stands in a ruined city, dressed in a thin robe, with his face lifted towards the stars. His hands are outstretched, as if in supplication, and his whole pose suggests sorrow.

This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.]]> 122 Amy Rae Durreson Barbara 5 4.10 2015 In Heaven and Earth
author: Amy Rae Durreson
name: Barbara
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2018/09/09
date added: 2018/09/09
shelves:
review:
What a little gem! Lovely writing, great world building, super story. I was hooked from the first page.
]]> <![CDATA[Close to Home (DI Adam Fawley, #1)]]> 35458732 They know who did it. Perhaps not consciously. Perhaps not yet. But they know.

When eight-year-old Daisy Mason vanishes from her family’s Oxford home during a costume party, Detective Inspector Adam Fawley knows that nine times out of ten, the offender is someone close to home. And Daisy’s family is certainly strange—her mother is obsessed with keeping up appearances, while her father is cold and defensive under questioning. And then there’s Daisy’s little brother, so withdrawn and uncommunicative . . .

DI Fawley works against the clock to find any trace of the little girl, but it’s as if she disappeared into thin air—no one saw anything; no one knows anything. But everyone has an opinion, and everyone, it seems, has a secret to conceal.]]> 289 Cara Hunter 0143131052 Barbara 0 Even so, this was an entertaining book and I'm not sorry I read it. I would read another by the author.]]> 3.87 2017 Close to Home (DI Adam Fawley, #1)
author: Cara Hunter
name: Barbara
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at: 2018/08/21
date added: 2018/08/21
shelves:
review:
I was enjoying this book. I had a few quibbles with it but generally I was looking forward to reading it every night in bed! Stronger characters than I'd read for a while. Easy to read. Even though it did flash back and forth and from character to character - but still fine to follow. Who snatched Daisy? Who perhaps killed Daisy? It had all the ingredients until the supposed twist at the end, that for me wasn't a good twist and didn't ring true perhaps because there had been no hint of it coming. You might say - well that's what a twist is - but this sort of story is inviting the reader to guess 'who dunnit' and that aspect failed. I also didn't find Daisy to be a realistic 8 year old but I'm a long way from my kids being 8 so maybe I'm wrong on that.
Even so, this was an entertaining book and I'm not sorry I read it. I would read another by the author.
]]>