Review: The Heist by Daniel Silva

The Heist by Daniel Silva
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

What is going on with one of my favorite thriller/crime series and hero?

The 14th novel in Gabriel Allon series and just like the last few books, a bit disappointing.

Stolen art, corrupt Syrian politicians, murder….what an exciting premise I thought>

But not that much excitement to be found…the first half was slow and nothing really happens. I kept threatening myself to giving the rest a miss….but it picked up somewhat.
I know we can’t expect every book in a series to be awesome but I was hoping it would be a bit more captivating.
At least we get more of Chiara, Gabriel’s wife. I still find her one of the most interesting female protagonists.
I want more Gabriel Allon and hopefully the next book will grab me again.


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Review: The English Girl (Gabriel Allon, #13) by Daniel Silva

The English Girl by Daniel Silva
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I struggled to finish this one.
Don't get me wrong....this is one of my favourite crime/thriller series, but....this dragged on and on for me.
I put it down a few times and kept going back, hoping something would happen....speed up and surprise me...guess it never did.

The only parts I enjoyed were when Gabriel Allon, super-spy was with Chiara, who is truly a magnificent character in the series.

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Review: The Confessor (Gabriel Allon, #3) by Daniel Silva

The Confessor by Daniel Silva
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gabriel Allon is assigned to investigate the murder of his friend and historian in Munich.
He soon discovers that his death may be linked to the Vatican. Back into the dark and shadowy world he knows so well, he unearths a conspiracy involving the church’s collaboration with a secret organization during the Holocaust.
Again, great characterization fast paced plot set in different locations.


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Review; The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva

The English Assassin by Daniel Silva
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another multi-layered, action packed story, drawing Gabriel Allon, super spy and art restorer into a world of intrigue, secret agents, Swiss banks cover-ups of their collaboration with the Nazis, and stolen art.
Weaving past and present, we are taken on a roller-coast ride into the shadowy world of corruption, greed and deception.
Another page turner in this series.


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Review: The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva

The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 1st book in the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva.
Gabriel Allon, former Israeli super spy/agent is now a restorer of old art masterpieces, living an isolated life in a remote English seaside village. Persuaded out of retirement by his former boss, Ari Shamron to track down the deadly Palestinian assassin, threatening to derail the peace talks between the Israeli Prime Minister and Arafat after assassinating the Israeli Ambassador in Paris, and who is also responsible for his wife and son’s death.
A complex, dizzying, gripping, intriguing, compelling and well-paced story, using the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a backdrop.
Great character development, filled with some fascinating characters (some real) that I look forward to seeing in the next books.


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Review: The Collector by Nora Roberts

The Collector by Nora Roberts
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Whew, for a moment there I thought I was right – but no, I am not!!! Thinking that this book had been written by some other author!!!! Crazy right???? But as a more than rabid fan of NORA ROBERTS, from reading her first book many years ago, I have become very familiar with her writing style, plots, characters, etc….and for me, THE COLLECTOR just did not make me feel or think it could possibly be a NR book.

By Chapter Two……it was like….WHAT AM I READING? Checked, and yes, it’s the right book…..but why am I not getting into the story…okay, I did skim a page or two, but I couldn’t help myself….because I just couldn’t stop..….

there must be a mistake….I’ve never yawned or skimmed pages with other NR’s books….yes…EVER!!!! /NEVER!!!!
Where is the suspenseful, exciting, kept on edge of your seat, well-developed, great subplots that tie in so well and an ending that leaves you satisfied plot?
Where are the unique, believable, memorable and well-developed characters?
Where is the original and intriguing writing and natural, flowing dialogue?
These are just a few things that we expect and get from a NR novel.
Well, those few things are not here in this boring book.
Yes, for me…..
The plot is somewhat a rehash of a well-used formula, totally unbelievable and unrealistic, dragging through the most implausible situations.
Lila Emerson, professional house-sitter to the well-heeled crowd and an up and coming author of YA werewolves pnr books, witnesses a woman being pushed out of a window that she had been “spying” on..oops, sorry she does it her books research….with binoculars.
She meets Ashton Archer, gorgeous, sexy, zillionaire artist, who happens to be one of the victim’s brother, at the police station -
They get together to solve the crimes because the cops are not doing their job. Yes, the two take on the dangerous and evil villain, who is labeled HAG….Hot Asian Girl…I kid you not!! They embark on the trail of stolen Faberge Eggs and despite the dangers they face, they manage to “sail” over all the difficulties until they SOLVE the crime and get the BAD GUYS!!!

And the sub-plot of the romance between the two secondary characters is just beyond OTT!!!!
The characters are so uninteresting, boring and bland. Lila and her best friend (not going to give things away but how these two connected and became friends…………unreal…unreal!))))) love shopping, shoes, perfume…yes all those things we all think about!!!!!She house-sits because she’s an army brat and likes to move around and also doesn’t do commitment or forever……She knows out to get people to talk to her – for her research of course – because she’s kind and sweet..but wait she’s also fearless and independent….
Ashton Archer, famous artist, not gorgeous at first but soon turns out to be abso gorgeous, caring for for his beyond dysfunctional family…..he has 13 siblings….yes truly. He lives in an awesome place, paints Lila and uses one of the two family’s PRIVATE jets…..And falls in love, true love for the first time with the feisty and so tedious Lila.
The writing is lackluster with some appalling dialogue ever….

After much skimming and skipping, finally arrived at THE END….by then I had made my decision..

But before I do that - Here’s to closing my eyes and making a wish that the next book by my fav author will be totally awesome!!


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Review: Lethal Legacy (Alexandra Cooper, #11) by Linda Fairstein

Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love books and I love New York!! So what could be more exciting than reading Linda Fairstein’s 11th book in her Alexander Cooper Series.

Combining NYC’S landmarks and history, as we have come to expect from this author’s novels, we are pulled right into this fast-paced, suspenseful and well-researched mystery set in the world of rare books

and maps

Initially investigating what seems like a sex crime, Alexandra Cooper and her two detective colleagues, Mike Chapman and Mercer Wallace soon discover that it’s connected to some crimes that are linked to the New York City Public Library

and wealthy book collectors.
What could make a book lover happier than going on a present and past journey through this fantastic place, where we see what happens behind the scenes of the library? Delving into the atmospheric life of such an iconic building was a real treat. Fascinating and informative and interesting, the luxurious homes of the rich and privileged and a dangerous climax in the remnants of a burial ground inside the library.

Familiar and engaging main characters, bizarre and weird secondary characters, a one-arm book collector who lives in a converted hospital chapel, dysfunctional families, deception, thieves, a plot filled with twists and turns and unexpected revelations……..this story has it all!!

Fast paced, packed with action and atmosphere it’s an entertaining and engrossing read.


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Review: Silent Mercy (Alexandra Cooper, #13) by Linda Fairstein

Silent Mercy by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Silent Mercy, another riveting crime novel by Linda Fairstein, is the 13th in the Alexandra Cooper Series.
Alexandra Cooper, ADA and prosecutor in the sex crimes division and Detective Mike Chapman are investigating two brutal murders in NYC

A young woman’s mutilated headless body is set on fire and left burning on the steps of Harlem’s Mount Neboh Baptist Church.
When another dead woman’s body is found at the Old St Patrick’s Cathedral in Little Italy, it becomes clear that the two churches, used by the killer as his crime scenes, has religious message.
Tightly written mystery delving into religion, church institutions, teaching church institutions, feminism, views on women in the priesthood,

"Ursula questioned everything. When the word came from Rome that barring women from the priesthood wasn't a human-rights issue, it was Ursula who stood up to the Magisterium. 'Is it because we don't have rights?' she asked. 'Or is it because we're not human?'"

filled with twists, turns and surprises.
Interlaced with sub plots giving us a glimpse of Alexandra in a courtroom, prosecuting a priest of sexual abuse and it was good she is during her cross-examination of a bishop, who may be part of a cover-up in the case.
We also see how she deals with a rape investigation that has proved the young woman to be lying and what she does to resolve the issue. I just love her no-nonsense attitude.
Interesting history of some of NYC”s churches and landmarks, Penikese Island

, where Alexandra finds herself in a very dangerous situation as she battles to save the killer’s next victim…..and Cape Cod

provide a great backdrop to the story.
Alexandra Cooper is a brilliant character that I have come to like a lot- she’s independent, intelligent, a great friend and not afraid to stand up for herself. I just wonder about her choice in men…..Luc Rouget, chef extraordinaire, sexy and French….is an across the ocean relationship….same as her previous newscaster lover……it’s as if she prefers not being totally invested in these men…..
I think that another problem is Mike Chapman……..there is definitely a sexual tension between the two…..but it just seems to keep dragging on and on…and nothing happening. Mike’s frustration is palpable….his snarky remarks to Alex are at times really awful…..he can be a total ass that I begin to think that maybe she should just give him a miss!!!!!
I always enjoy this author’s books and this is another well-written mystery in this series.


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Review: Rival's Challenge (The Chatsfield #6) by Abby Green

Rival's Challenge by Abby Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the 1st book in the Chatsfield series that I’ve read - I haven’t really felt drawn to it…. But Rival’s Challenge, being written by one of my favorite authors, was an immediate go for me. How could I go wrong?
Weaving a story of passion, fear, loss, family obligations, honor, trust and love, filled with some interesting and quirky characters that takes us into the glamorous and exciting world of luxury hotels and family secrets.

Orla Kennedy, daughter of the Kennedy Hotel empire built by her father and now facing huge problems
and Antonio Chatsfield, charged with negotiating the take-over of some of the Kennedy hotels by his family’s Chatsfield Hotels group, both have some serious family issues.
Wow, first chapter and we have some serious heat!!

One night of hot and mind-blowing and explicit sex when they meet for the first time…...tossing all the pressures behind them, they spend one night together, without revealing their names to each other.
All hell breaks loose when they discover their true identities. Orla looks nothing like she did the night before…surprise…..

Fighting the attraction and the feelings of who to trust and believe, we are taken on a fabulous journey to great settings, where Orla & Antonio try to find their happiness together without betraying their families.
I really connected with these two characters and loved the way they worked through all the misunderstandings and heartache. Liked that Orla was independent and strong and not someone looking for her prince to save her…..And just adored Antonio…he was loving and caring…..surprising Orla with something she has always dreamed off…..

(view spoiler)[ Orla has always lived in her family’s hotels and has always dreamed of one day having her own home…which Antonio buys as a present for her…it was such a sweet and lovely scene…loved it.. (hide spoiler)] A romantic and emotional and totally fab read.
And I might just read the whole series……..after this story…….


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Review: Cold Hit (Alexandra Cooper, #3) by Linda Fairstein

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Linda Fairstein's 3rd novel in the Alexandra Cooper mystery series, "Cold Hit," a woman’s body is washed ashore, whose identity reveals that she’s the wife of a wealthy art collector. Alex Cooper, Mike Chapman & Mercer Wallace are thrown into the world of art, art dealers and art galleries as they follow a trail of the most dislikeable art world characters ever, who have links to the dead woman, in tracking in killer before he strikes
again.

Set in the gritty and dangerous streets of NYC

we are given an insight into the dark and greedy art world, filled with rapacious collectors, fraud, theft and art forgery.

Twists and turns, lies and danger that almost kill Mercer as he and Alex are faced with dangerous killers who will stop at nothing to stop secrets being revealed.

I enjoy the relationship between the three and I am not sure where Alex’s affair with a famous newscaster will lead because I think underneath there’s a lot going on between her and Mike Chapman. Oooh I did love the Martha’s Vineyard part……I can just imagine her house on the beach

An absorbing plot which starts a bit slow but soon draws you in with the interesting characters and the procedures that leave you guessing until the very end.


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Review: The Price Of Success by Maya Blake

The Price Of Success by Maya Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great debut novel set in the exciting and glamorous world of Formula One racing world.

The heroine, Sasha, is a totally kick-ass, who despite the knocks in her life, is determined and fearless in reaching her goal of becoming the first female racing driver in the Espiritu racing team.
Millionaire ex racing driver and now owner of the team is forced, after his brother’s accident, to choose Sasha, despite his reluctance to do so as he believes that she’s the cause of the crash, to replace him as the lead driver of the team as she’s proved herself to being the best.

A great and fresh storyline set in glamorous locations with fabulous interaction between the h/h. Some of Sasha’s one-liners had me in fits of laughter.
Both come with their baggage – there’s some sad history, which slowly unfurls and we see Marco trying desperately to fight the feelings he has for Sasha and seeing her gradually breaking the armor he has built around himself, is really amazing.
Lots of misunderstandings….geez, Marco behaves rather badly towards Sasha that made me question..Why the hell did she want to be with this guy????? So cynical…

I”I stopped believing in free a long time ago Sasha. There are always consequences. The piper always expects payment.”

But of course, he does that because he’s had some really painful things happen in his past. But the past certainly hasn’t changed Sasha’s view on life……

I don’t believe that. Laughter is free. Love is free. It’s the hate that eats up inside. Bitterness that twists feelings if you let them.”

And as we know, LOVE CONQUERS ALL.
The background of motor racing is very well written and researched. I learnt quite a lot about this sport, which I am not exactly mad about…except for the gorgeous drivers, of course……and having a gorgeous female driver was totally fab.
I really liked this book.


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Review: Hell Gate (Alexandra Cooper, #12) by Linda Fairstein

Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 12th novel in The Alexandra Cooper Series, this is a well-written and taut mystery involving human trafficking, prostitution, corrupt politicians, sex scandals, murder and much more.
The story opens with a Ukrainian ship, carrying human cargo, including young women destined to sexual slavery, runs aground and an up and coming politician who leaves the scene and his mistress, after he had crashed his car.
Alexandra Cooper, Assistant District Attorney and head of New York Special Victims Unit is called to the ship wreck scene, where people had jumped off the ship, and some drowning whilst attempting to swim ashore and. Soon one body did not die from drowning but by murder.
When the politician’s mistress is found after being stabbed to death and tossed down a well on the grounds of Gracie Mansion, it looks as if it may be connected to the murdered woman from the ship.
As Alex and the two detectives, Chapman and Mercer try to solve the crimes and trying to find the link between, we meet up with characters from the previous books and introduced to new ones and as it has become part of the author’s books, we get a glimpse New York City landmarks and history that are linked to the storyline.

A fast, tight a very enjoyable read.


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Review: Into Danger (S.A.S.S. #1) by Gennita Low

Into Danger by Gennita Low
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the debut novel by Gennita Low and I enjoyed it as much as the first time I read it years ago.
What I loved the most was the kickass heroine ..Marlena Maxwell, an infamous assassin is a cross between LARA CROFTand VAMPIRE SLAYERand DANGEROUS ASSASSINALL IN ONE.
She has no need to be saved by Prince Charming. She does her own saving. She plays by her own rules. She has no time for love and romance in her life and is not averse to get closer to someone that attracts her…but it will not sidetrack her from her completing her mission.
But all that toughness hides a soft heart.
SEAL Steve McMillian has been assigned to protect Marlena and get information out of her. I really liked his character – strong, loyal and moral..and very sexy too.
Both have their own agendas. Despite unsure about whether to trust or not each other, they feel an incredible attraction for each other.

Together on a secret mission, Marlena finds herself feeling something for Steve and she’s not sure how much she can give of herself to him. Steve just knows that he has deep feelings for her……..
Great chemistry. Hot sexual tension. They are such engaging characters that you just want them to get together.

Really interesting secondary characters especially Marlena’s friend…(can’t wait for her story!!!)

Fast paced and riveting story with non-stop action, suspense, espionage, intrigue and hot romance.

A fabulous debut novel.


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Review: The Last Victim (Dr. Charlotte Stone #1) by Karen Robards

The Last Victim by Karen Robards
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Last Victim by Karen Robards first book in her new Dr. Charlotte Stone Series.
is a psychological paranormal romance and suspense thriller.
Charlotte (Charlie) Stone is a leading expert in criminal psychology and specializes in studying serial killers. As part of her research, she’s interviewing Michael Garland a serial killer in prison, when the FBI arrives asking for her help in finding a missing teenager, who they believe has been kidnapped by a copycat of The Boardwalker Killer. Charlie was the only survivor of that killer when she was a teenager and her friend and her family had been murdered by him. She agrees, albeit reluctantly to help, when the killer she had been interviewing is stabbed. She tries to save him, without success and she suddenly sees his spirit leave his body….…….yes, Charlie sees dead people and she helps them into the light from the Afterlife…or something like that.

She attempts to help Michael’s ghost to “cross” over but he refuses. He’s now “tied” to Dr Stone and follows her everywhere….I kid you not!!
So, whilst Charlie works with Agent Tony Bartoli and his team, the ghost pops up at the most unexpected places, even the bathroom !!! No, there is nothing going on between Charlie and Agent Bartoli…..its Charlie & Michael….what a hero who is a serial killer!!!!!!

With ghosts she has helped before helping her find the kidnapped teenager before she’s killed, she finds herself becoming obsessed with Michael..yes, the serial killer she can’t get to follow the light!! She even dreams about him….the weird scene where Michael seduces her when she’s sleeping or dreaming..whatever…is just too bizarre for me. I became irritated after a while with all their encounters!!!

I did like Charlie – she’s smart and caring but some of her actions and decisions are a bit out there.
The hero – the ghost – Michael Garland…hey, this is a killer of seven people – of course he denies he ever killed anyone, but how did he then get convicted for the crimes????? I cannot be like Charlie and suddenly start liking someone like him, right???????

I liked the two secondary characters, FBI agents, Buzz & Lena. There’s some really funny interaction and some romantic tension going on. And Agent Bartoli is interesting…I did think in the beginning, he would be the romantic hero…but just so not.
It’s a well-paced story filled with all kinds of twists and turns and I was surprised when the villain is revealed. I certainly was not expecting that.

I am a fan of this author but this was one of her books I didn’t like as much some of her others.

Not a bad book – just not a great one.


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Review: Dante's Unexpected Legacy by Catherine George

Dante's Unexpected Legacy by Catherine George
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Very average story, uninspiring & forgettable characters.

There was nothing new or fresh about this book. It felt as if I had read something similar before.

Almost gave up half way...

I am having some bad luck lately with Mills & Boon.

Please please let the next one be exciting!!!

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Review: His Temporary Mistress by Cathy Williams

His Temporary Mistress by Cathy Williams
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I wasn't crazy about the characters...though I did like Violet, the heroine's name!!!

Another blackmail plot, with alpha hero and heroine, who will do anything for her family.........

Wow, there are some hot scenes and explicitly hot hot.........a 69 in a Mills & Boon novel...... wow....wow.......

An okay read.

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Review: Notorious (Max Revere Novels, #1) by Allison Brennan

Notorious by Allison Brennan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Notorious Allison Brennan's new suspense introduces Maxine Revere, a high-powered and intrepid investigative reporter and host of her own nationally acclaimed reality TV show that investigates cold cases.
Whilst the plot, involving the mystery of three unsolved murders that might or might not be connected, it’s the character of Max that really drives the story.
Maxine is a very complex and interesting female lead character. Known to be tough, relentless, determined, she’s also independently wealthy, career-orientated and risk taker and is not afraid to using manipulation methods to get what she wants t gets what she wants.

But the badass reputation hides another side of her that very few people get to see. She’s afraid of commitments and does not allow anyone to get close to her, affected by her mother’s disappearance and her very dysfunctional family. I connected with her from the start.
Max returns to her hometown after a long stay-way to attend a friend’s funeral, whose suicide might be connected to the 13 year old unsolved murder of her best friend.
There seems to be a connection between those two deaths and the death of a construction worker and so she starts her own investigation as the police force don’t seem to be doing enough. Nothing will stop her from finding the truth…she’s RELENTLESS, even when her life is in danger….she will not give up!!!
A very fast paced plot, with interesting secondary characters, twists and turns and a total surprise when the murderer is finally revealed.
A great start to a new series and I am looking forward to the next installment.


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Review: The Argentinian's Demand by Cathy Williams

The Argentinian's Demand by Cathy Williams
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I’ve enjoyed some of this author’s books but this is another that just didn’t do it for me.
The hero was beyond boring, the heroine….a bit of a “drip”
I felt no chemistry of anything at all between the two.
The plot was very uninteresting and this was a real “drag” read for me.

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