The Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Why do I continue with this series???? Since book #10, it’s been downhill for me!!! Yet I keep hoping that just maybe the next one will be a great return.
The Bone Bed, the 20th novel in Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta Series was one of the most disappointing books in the series. Is it just me that finds the author’s writing style in the latest books different from the first ones? I don’t like the writing in this book at all!!!
I had no idea what was going on from page 1 to the end. What began with something that happened in Canada was soon left behind as other things and dead bodies happened in Kay’s hometown of Boston. There were so many characters and subplots that made no sense to me. I struggled to find any connections between Kay’s court appearance, recovering bodies from the river, etc etc etc.
In between, Lucy makes a very fast and short appearance…after a blink of my eye…she was gone again. Marino continues being a total weirdo …..always making disparaging remarks about Kay and Benton…moaning and whining……he’s like a different character from the one I first met in book #1.
Info on causes of death, people out to get Kay and Marino, it seems!! Benton….another quickie appearance and still as remote……….
Hell, these secondary characters which I had come to like seem more cardboard now than ever. Kay’s inner dialogue and monologues take up more pages than anything else. What is going on with one of my favorite characters???
I lost interest …..forgot who was killed, or was the killer, who was doing what. In fact, when the villain/killer is finally revealed…yes, in the last few pages….I couldn’t remember who he/she was and if he/she had made an appearance in the story before.
I am not exactly going to give up on this series but I am so wishing something exciting will come next.
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LIFE, ROMANCE AND ALL THOSE OTHER THINGS
Share,Talk, Read and Write about Life, Romance, Flying and other things.....
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Review: Red Mist (Kay Scarpetta, #19) by Patricia Cornwell (Goodreads Author)
Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
1,5 stars
I've been reading Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta Series since the 1st book, Postmortem was published, which was a brilliant start to the series, which continued with some really amazing books, until it reached #10……from then onwards, something happened to the series. And not a good something. Somewhere along the line, the magic of Kay Scarpetta’s world wasn’t there for me.
Instead of looking forward to a new arrival, I gave it a miss for a while. But I couldn’t give up on KS….hoping that maybe the next one would bring back the magic.
Well, Red Mist, #19 in the series did not ignite the old or new magic!!!
Nothing happens….from the opening where Kay is interviewing a woman who is connected to Kay’s former assistant, who had been viciously murdered by his daughter, whose mother was the woman in jail that Kay was visiting….it goes on and on for loads and loads of pages of the conversation between Kay and the prisoner….and never going anywhere.
Kay continues internalizing and internalizing and more internalizing…..giving us information and more information that after a while makes no sense to me……and leading somewhere I don’t know where.
Lucy continues to be weird ….i can’t get a hook on this character. Do I like her or don’t I like her? What is she all about??? Apart from her high IQ, hacking skills, loads of money, her own helicopter, supercars……
And Marino, Kay’s partner who has been with her since the beginning….continues being weird and weirder…..their interaction is beyond bizarre. Maybe it’s something to do with the fact that he’s still in love with Kay and she not…..would he be different if the two ever got it together, I wonder.
Benton, Kay’s husband. Another character I can’t figure out. He’s so remote most of the times. I would love to see a bit more romance between him and Kay. But he makes these fleeting appearances here and there…..and then disappears.
I skimmed over a lot of pages and when the true villain and the reason for the crimes are revealed I was somewhat disappointed. I never really understood how the conclusion came about.
I am so sad that the magic of Kay Scarpetta is still missing for me.
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My rating: 2 of 5 stars
1,5 stars
I've been reading Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta Series since the 1st book, Postmortem was published, which was a brilliant start to the series, which continued with some really amazing books, until it reached #10……from then onwards, something happened to the series. And not a good something. Somewhere along the line, the magic of Kay Scarpetta’s world wasn’t there for me.
Instead of looking forward to a new arrival, I gave it a miss for a while. But I couldn’t give up on KS….hoping that maybe the next one would bring back the magic.
Well, Red Mist, #19 in the series did not ignite the old or new magic!!!
Nothing happens….from the opening where Kay is interviewing a woman who is connected to Kay’s former assistant, who had been viciously murdered by his daughter, whose mother was the woman in jail that Kay was visiting….it goes on and on for loads and loads of pages of the conversation between Kay and the prisoner….and never going anywhere.
Kay continues internalizing and internalizing and more internalizing…..giving us information and more information that after a while makes no sense to me……and leading somewhere I don’t know where.
Lucy continues to be weird ….i can’t get a hook on this character. Do I like her or don’t I like her? What is she all about??? Apart from her high IQ, hacking skills, loads of money, her own helicopter, supercars……
And Marino, Kay’s partner who has been with her since the beginning….continues being weird and weirder…..their interaction is beyond bizarre. Maybe it’s something to do with the fact that he’s still in love with Kay and she not…..would he be different if the two ever got it together, I wonder.
Benton, Kay’s husband. Another character I can’t figure out. He’s so remote most of the times. I would love to see a bit more romance between him and Kay. But he makes these fleeting appearances here and there…..and then disappears.
I skimmed over a lot of pages and when the true villain and the reason for the crimes are revealed I was somewhat disappointed. I never really understood how the conclusion came about.
I am so sad that the magic of Kay Scarpetta is still missing for me.
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Review: Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz (Goodreads Author)
Ashley Bell by Dean Koontz
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
I have been reading Dean Koontz’s books for years – and whilst there were some absolutely incredible ones…some of my favorites being Intensity, Watchers, Strangers, there have also been some really so not even good ones for me….like Odd Thomas, which I just could not get into. I must be honest and state that I have not read some of his latest novels.
But Ashley Bell’s synopsis was so interesting and intriguing that I decided to read it.
This book didn’t do it for me.
After the first couple of chapters, I began to lose interest. I kept skipping page after page hoping for something exciting to happen.
I struggled with the writing style…..tedious minutes and more minutes.
I really tried to finish this very long book…but I just could not get past page 390.
This is the one book by this author that I did not like.
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My rating: 1 of 5 stars
I have been reading Dean Koontz’s books for years – and whilst there were some absolutely incredible ones…some of my favorites being Intensity, Watchers, Strangers, there have also been some really so not even good ones for me….like Odd Thomas, which I just could not get into. I must be honest and state that I have not read some of his latest novels.
But Ashley Bell’s synopsis was so interesting and intriguing that I decided to read it.
This book didn’t do it for me.
After the first couple of chapters, I began to lose interest. I kept skipping page after page hoping for something exciting to happen.
I struggled with the writing style…..tedious minutes and more minutes.
I really tried to finish this very long book…but I just could not get past page 390.
This is the one book by this author that I did not like.
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Thursday, 24 December 2015
Review: Forget by N.A. Alcorn (Goodreads Author)
Forget by N.A. Alcorn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forget by NA Alcorn is, for me, tells a story that you never want it to end. A beautiful and touching story of love, loss, heartache and discovery. A story of two people that were meant to find each other…..
The day after Millie’s funeral, Brooke travels to Paris to honor her request.
This is the beginning of a journey that will change Brooke’s life forever. And a meeting with a beautiful green-eyed man on the Metro will be a momentous moment that makes you believe that some things in your life are meant to be. I loved the scene where the two first meet and how Brooke tried to be cool and collected……
Dylan Bissette, gorgeous and beautiful…talented musician and the most incredible and endearing man.
-The immediate connection between Brooke and Dylan. Two souls meant to be together. The friendship that grew into love. How comfortable they felt with each other. The fun and laughter.
How much they had in common, their common love for music……
Even when Brooke held back on the secrets she had in her life
-I loved seeing the change in Brooke as the days flew by…..a month of the most incredible moments of happiness and her battle in trying to deal with what was waiting for her back home…
-I was astounded by the understanding and acceptance that Dylan showed Brooke when she told him about her uncertainties facing her and the struggle she had owing up to her feelings for him.
-The characters in this story were absolutely fabulous. I adored Brooke’s BFF, Lindsay….she was one of a kind and I would love to read her book someday. Dylan’s brother, Jesse, was totally lovable even when he was being a total man-whore!!! And the one I really loved was Millie. She was an incredible person…someone I would love to meet and become friends with.
-The twist of who and what about Dylan’s uncle’s story left me wanting to know more.
-Loved the writing……words that flowed so naturally that kept me captivated through each page I turned.
-Wow….each chapter heading is a title of a song…..how neat is that???? Jimmy Hendrix, Artic Monkeys, Rolling Stones, The Ramones…….it was a blast from the past!!!! I actually went onto YouTube and listened to the songs. Just made the story even more special.
This was one of my favorite books of 2015. It’s a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I can’t wait for Blur, the continuation of Brooke and Dylan’s story.
And these words grabbed at my heart-strings….memorable and unforgettable…..
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forget by NA Alcorn is, for me, tells a story that you never want it to end. A beautiful and touching story of love, loss, heartache and discovery. A story of two people that were meant to find each other…..
The story begins with Brooke Sawyer, a LA music producer, is dealing with the loss of her beloved grandmother Millie and after the funeral, opens the letter that she had been told to read after her death. It’s the most touchingly beautiful and haunting chapter in this book. The love that Millie had for Brooke was extraordinary……leaving a bucket list for things that she wanted Brooke to do in her life.
The day after Millie’s funeral, Brooke travels to Paris to honor her request.
This is the beginning of a journey that will change Brooke’s life forever. And a meeting with a beautiful green-eyed man on the Metro will be a momentous moment that makes you believe that some things in your life are meant to be. I loved the scene where the two first meet and how Brooke tried to be cool and collected……
Dylan Bissette, gorgeous and beautiful…talented musician and the most incredible and endearing man.
There were so many things I loved about this book.
-The immediate connection between Brooke and Dylan. Two souls meant to be together. The friendship that grew into love. How comfortable they felt with each other. The fun and laughter.
You’ve wrecked me, Little Wing.” –Dylan
How much they had in common, their common love for music……
Even when Brooke held back on the secrets she had in her life
”I keep his secrets, and he keeps mine. He has trusted me with the darkest, most painful parts of his life, and holding onto that trust will always be a priority. I won’t hurt him. Our relationship is complicated.”…….she was unable to stop her feelings for Dylan….he brought magic into her life….something she had never experienced before..
"I want to get drunk off his smile and have a million of his smile's half-British, half-French babies. His full lips make me think of French kisses, which lead me to think about him naked again. I'm hopeless."…….
-I loved seeing the change in Brooke as the days flew by…..a month of the most incredible moments of happiness and her battle in trying to deal with what was waiting for her back home…
-I was astounded by the understanding and acceptance that Dylan showed Brooke when she told him about her uncertainties facing her and the struggle she had owing up to her feelings for him.
“The greater the capacity to love, the greater the capacity to feel the pain.”-The Paris setting. I felt as if I was back there…..I recognized the streets, the places…..nostalgic memories of a time I spent in that city with my man when we were so very young…..the vividness was incredible…the smell of fresh baguettes, cafĂ© au lait……
-The characters in this story were absolutely fabulous. I adored Brooke’s BFF, Lindsay….she was one of a kind and I would love to read her book someday. Dylan’s brother, Jesse, was totally lovable even when he was being a total man-whore!!! And the one I really loved was Millie. She was an incredible person…someone I would love to meet and become friends with.
-The twist of who and what about Dylan’s uncle’s story left me wanting to know more.
-Loved the writing……words that flowed so naturally that kept me captivated through each page I turned.
-Wow….each chapter heading is a title of a song…..how neat is that???? Jimmy Hendrix, Artic Monkeys, Rolling Stones, The Ramones…….it was a blast from the past!!!! I actually went onto YouTube and listened to the songs. Just made the story even more special.
This was one of my favorite books of 2015. It’s a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I can’t wait for Blur, the continuation of Brooke and Dylan’s story.
And these words grabbed at my heart-strings….memorable and unforgettable…..
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Friday, 18 December 2015
Review: Best Laid Plans (The Mercenaries, #1) by Stylo Fantome (Goodreads Author)
Best Laid Plans by Stylo Fantome
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The most dangerous place in Africa. A ruthless mercenary smuggling “blood” diamonds and the transporter - both on a paid mission for the Russian Bratva aka Mob.
Unstable countries, war, hunted by armed and dangerous gangs, explosions,
suspense, cold-blooded killers, danger, diamond smuggling, rough and raw sex, treachery, revenge, violence, duplicity, hilarious moments, deceitfulness, big guns,
love, tenderness and the wildest and perilous journey through the most hostile place! Yes…….Best Laid Plans, the 1st book in Stylo Fantome’s The Mercenaries Series is ….Whew....let me take a breath for a moment here…….This book left me feeling like I had just watched a Quentin Tarentino movie….oh, Mr T…..you could turn this story into a beyond amazing movie!!!
What made this novel such a great read for me?
THE CHARACTERS
Really? Mercenaries….killing and stealing for money, immoral, ruthless, dregs of the earth!!! I know, it’s crazy. But there was something about the main characters that drew me to them. Underneath all the cruelty and hardness, there was a gentleness and loneliness too.
LILIANA aka LILY BREWSTERI fell in love with Lily from the start. A kick-ass heroine that drew me in with her smartness, toughness and her resourcefulness. She’s gutsy and self-reliant and takes care of herself and the baddies too. A take-charge woman.
MARCELLE aka MARC DE SANT
This is a man who kills and steals for money. A paid mercenary. His childhood was sad and terrible having being left alone to fend for himself after his parents had suddenly died. He learnt from an early age how to survive in the most appalling situations. His life is hard and brutal and all he looks forward to is the next paying job.
I ached for this man. How conflicted he felt about what he was doing and how lonely and sad his life actually was. What drew me to him was that he still retained his humanity. He had a gentle and caring side which he kept hidden from the world.
KINGSLEY LAW
I would love to read his story someday.
THE ROMANCE
Lily does not need a man to get things done. But when she’s thrown together with a man just as tough and kick-ass as her, sharing a common goal to take out the bad guys…….temperatures will soar, conflict will arise and they will bring out the best and worst in each other.
THE SETTING
Loved that the story takes place in Africa, which made it unique and out of the ordinary. Having travelled a lot in Africa, I had a vivid picture in my head of the places that were described.
By now, it’s very clear and obvious that I loved this crazy and insane trip. I am so looking forward to the next book……..and hey, get this one…because it’s…..GREAT FUN TO READ!!!
I loved this ………………..
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The most dangerous place in Africa. A ruthless mercenary smuggling “blood” diamonds and the transporter - both on a paid mission for the Russian Bratva aka Mob.
Unstable countries, war, hunted by armed and dangerous gangs, explosions,
suspense, cold-blooded killers, danger, diamond smuggling, rough and raw sex, treachery, revenge, violence, duplicity, hilarious moments, deceitfulness, big guns,
love, tenderness and the wildest and perilous journey through the most hostile place! Yes…….Best Laid Plans, the 1st book in Stylo Fantome’s The Mercenaries Series is ….Whew....let me take a breath for a moment here…….This book left me feeling like I had just watched a Quentin Tarentino movie….oh, Mr T…..you could turn this story into a beyond amazing movie!!!
What made this novel such a great read for me?
THE CHARACTERS
Really? Mercenaries….killing and stealing for money, immoral, ruthless, dregs of the earth!!! I know, it’s crazy. But there was something about the main characters that drew me to them. Underneath all the cruelty and hardness, there was a gentleness and loneliness too.
LILIANA aka LILY BREWSTERI fell in love with Lily from the start. A kick-ass heroine that drew me in with her smartness, toughness and her resourcefulness. She’s gutsy and self-reliant and takes care of herself and the baddies too. A take-charge woman.
“Just you wait, Marcelle De Sant. I’ll be the best anyone in this business has ever seen. Just you fucking wait.”She’s sexy and adventurous and not afraid to make the first move……This is also a woman with a lot of baggage….She has spent the last five years on a mission to revenge and kill the man responsible for her sister’s death, and nothing will stand in her way to accomplish that.
MARCELLE aka MARC DE SANT
"Marc was all rough sexiness, five o'clock shadow and gritted teeth, his presence filling a room like a bomb blast.
This is a man who kills and steals for money. A paid mercenary. His childhood was sad and terrible having being left alone to fend for himself after his parents had suddenly died. He learnt from an early age how to survive in the most appalling situations. His life is hard and brutal and all he looks forward to is the next paying job.
I ached for this man. How conflicted he felt about what he was doing and how lonely and sad his life actually was. What drew me to him was that he still retained his humanity. He had a gentle and caring side which he kept hidden from the world.
KINGSLEY LAW
“Kingsley was smoothness personified, with gel in his hair, and a suit under all his black gear. He was well groomed and had stormy blue eyes and fair skin, a sharp jaw and broad shoulders, complimented by perfect pearly teeth and a perfect pearly smile. His presence was sharp, like a knife."Fellow mercenary and friend, he’s the only person that Marc trusts and who he sees as a friend. I loved this character. He’s undeniably unforgettable. He’s like a breath of fresh air amid the chaos. He lightens up tense and dangerous situations that relieve you from dark to light.
I would love to read his story someday.
THE ROMANCE
Lily does not need a man to get things done. But when she’s thrown together with a man just as tough and kick-ass as her, sharing a common goal to take out the bad guys…….temperatures will soar, conflict will arise and they will bring out the best and worst in each other.
"Why is everything a fucking battle with you? I feel like I need to constantly be kicking your ass just to get anything I want," – Marc
THE SETTING
Loved that the story takes place in Africa, which made it unique and out of the ordinary. Having travelled a lot in Africa, I had a vivid picture in my head of the places that were described.
By now, it’s very clear and obvious that I loved this crazy and insane trip. I am so looking forward to the next book……..and hey, get this one…because it’s…..GREAT FUN TO READ!!!
I loved this ………………..
”Yesterday, we were ready to kill each other. Tonight, we just had sex for two hours straight. What’s tomorrow? Pistols ad dawn?”
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Thursday, 17 December 2015
Review: Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz (Goodreads Author)
Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed Secret Sisters, the latest book by Jayne Ann Krentz but there were a few things that missed the WOW factor for me.
The story started off really well. Intriguing and mysterious!!! Something that happened 18 years ago in the rather scary Cooper Island that has since remained a secret between the people involved.
But halfway through the book I kept thinking……are these people for real!!! Look, don’t get me wrong………I actually kept turning the pages and read it in one go…….but …yes, another but…..the characters didn’t feel real to me. All their problems and baggage….Hell, I just wanted to tell Madeleine & Jack to get their shit together and just do it!!!! Instead, they pussyfooted around each other most of the time.
A huge amount of red herrings… we get to know the evil and rich local family with their eyes set on political power and their sociopath son………just when I had the villain in sight…….no….wrong!!! In fact, I was wrong a lot of the time….because when the true villain is exposed……WOW!!!! Never expected that.
One of the things that I liked was Abe, Jack’s brother and partner and Daphne, Madeleine’s “secret sister”. They were such a cute and adorable couple.
This was a solid and…yes….despite all my “gripes”, a rather enjoyable romantic story filled with suspense, secrets and loads of baddies!!!!!
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed Secret Sisters, the latest book by Jayne Ann Krentz but there were a few things that missed the WOW factor for me.
The story started off really well. Intriguing and mysterious!!! Something that happened 18 years ago in the rather scary Cooper Island that has since remained a secret between the people involved.
But halfway through the book I kept thinking……are these people for real!!! Look, don’t get me wrong………I actually kept turning the pages and read it in one go…….but …yes, another but…..the characters didn’t feel real to me. All their problems and baggage….Hell, I just wanted to tell Madeleine & Jack to get their shit together and just do it!!!! Instead, they pussyfooted around each other most of the time.
A huge amount of red herrings… we get to know the evil and rich local family with their eyes set on political power and their sociopath son………just when I had the villain in sight…….no….wrong!!! In fact, I was wrong a lot of the time….because when the true villain is exposed……WOW!!!! Never expected that.
One of the things that I liked was Abe, Jack’s brother and partner and Daphne, Madeleine’s “secret sister”. They were such a cute and adorable couple.
This was a solid and…yes….despite all my “gripes”, a rather enjoyable romantic story filled with suspense, secrets and loads of baddies!!!!!
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Review: Misconduct by Penelope Douglas (Goodreads Author)
Misconduct by Penelope Douglas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Misconduct by Penelope Douglas is an absolute reading treat!!
Be prepared to fall in love with Easton Bradbury & Tyler Mareck!!!
Easton Bradbury, former professional tennis and now a teacher at a top private school in New Orleans. She’s independent, sexy, and smart with a few quirks thrown in.
Tyler Mareck, successful and rich businessman has reached the top of his game. Now aiming for something more ….politics and power.
When these two meet at a gala event, sparks fly!!!Fast forward ……next meeting they have is when Easton discovers that Tyler’s son will be one of her students. Problem? More than just one!! Getting involved would be total madness…….fight the attraction!!!!! That’s the plan!!
I loved the interaction between them. The banter……Easton has just told Tyler that she has a bit of OCD…just something that makes her cope with things in her life……The fun. The passion….and the steamiest sex ever.
They just brought something good out of each other. I adored Easton. She’s survived some really bad things that happened in her life. She’s strong and nothing keeps her down for long. Her class scenes with her students and the teaching methods she applied were fascinating and so interesting. I loved the way social media was used as a teaching medium. So unique.
And speaking about her sassiness….loved how she can take on all the stereotype politicians…..absolutely brilliant!!!
Loved the way their relationship developed and how they were able to help each other.
“Pearls of Wisdom” that really grabbed me…..
It’s impossible not to want this lovable and endearing couple to find their HEA.
A delightful, sweet, angsty, sexy and romantic love story.
I loved this quote
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Misconduct by Penelope Douglas is an absolute reading treat!!
Be prepared to fall in love with Easton Bradbury & Tyler Mareck!!!
Easton Bradbury, former professional tennis and now a teacher at a top private school in New Orleans. She’s independent, sexy, and smart with a few quirks thrown in.
Tyler Mareck, successful and rich businessman has reached the top of his game. Now aiming for something more ….politics and power.
When these two meet at a gala event, sparks fly!!!Fast forward ……next meeting they have is when Easton discovers that Tyler’s son will be one of her students. Problem? More than just one!! Getting involved would be total madness…….fight the attraction!!!!! That’s the plan!!
”What the hell are we doing? I couldn't get involved with a parent, and even if I did, it couldn't be him...I enjoyed him too much...”
I loved the interaction between them. The banter……Easton has just told Tyler that she has a bit of OCD…just something that makes her cope with things in her life……The fun. The passion….and the steamiest sex ever.
They just brought something good out of each other. I adored Easton. She’s survived some really bad things that happened in her life. She’s strong and nothing keeps her down for long. Her class scenes with her students and the teaching methods she applied were fascinating and so interesting. I loved the way social media was used as a teaching medium. So unique.
And speaking about her sassiness….loved how she can take on all the stereotype politicians…..absolutely brilliant!!!
Loved the way their relationship developed and how they were able to help each other.
“Pearls of Wisdom” that really grabbed me…..
It’s impossible not to want this lovable and endearing couple to find their HEA.
A delightful, sweet, angsty, sexy and romantic love story.
I loved this quote
” Life was scarier - and harder - when you had things you were afraid to lose.
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Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Review: The Muse (Irresistible, #5) by Anne Calhoun (Goodreads Author)
The Muse by Anne Calhoun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A not quickly forgotten, inspirational, sensual and haunting love story.
Anne Calhoun has brilliantly created an uplifting, enthralling, complex and breathlessly fascinating story of two people who meet under difficult situations and their journey together to finding hope, healing and love.
Arden McCarren’s world comes crashing down, when her father and brother are arrested and charged with using a Ponzi scheme to defraud clients of millions. She now faces the challenge to caring for her mother and dealing with the fall-out that they have left her to deal with. Beset by panic attacks and the pressure that the relentless media facing her, ostracized by her friends and colleagues, FBI scrutiny, half-way to a breakdown….she’s tries as best she can to face each new day in her life.
Seth Miller, former marine, who has suffered the loss of his three best friends on their last mission in Afghanistan, is now a bike messenger and part-time nude model for art students in New York. He’s haunted by the tragic and terrible death of his colleagues and the only way he can deal with his loss and pain is by helping and being there for his dead friend’s families.
When these two damaged souls meet at an art class, they feel a connection each other.
They recognize something that comforts and eases their pain.
I loved watching Arden and Seth together. Their relationship felt real and the progression from sex to friends to lovers was done in a very believable and natural way. Understanding each other’s pain, fears and insecurities…..
I so wanted these two people to be together and find happiness in their lives…I was so invested in their relationship. Sadness, giving, understanding, caring and an incredibly unselfish love for each other.
I love this author’s writing style and voice. She has a unique and distinctive way with words that enthralled me from the very first page.
I am so looking forward to reading more of this author’s books.
This is definitely one of my favorite reads in 2015.
Go on, get this book….why? Because it’s more than just brilliant and unforgettable.
And not forgetting…. a big and huge THANK YOU to my GR friend, Baba, whose brilliant review made me want to read this book. You rock BB!!!
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A not quickly forgotten, inspirational, sensual and haunting love story.
Anne Calhoun has brilliantly created an uplifting, enthralling, complex and breathlessly fascinating story of two people who meet under difficult situations and their journey together to finding hope, healing and love.
Arden McCarren’s world comes crashing down, when her father and brother are arrested and charged with using a Ponzi scheme to defraud clients of millions. She now faces the challenge to caring for her mother and dealing with the fall-out that they have left her to deal with. Beset by panic attacks and the pressure that the relentless media facing her, ostracized by her friends and colleagues, FBI scrutiny, half-way to a breakdown….she’s tries as best she can to face each new day in her life.
Seth Miller, former marine, who has suffered the loss of his three best friends on their last mission in Afghanistan, is now a bike messenger and part-time nude model for art students in New York. He’s haunted by the tragic and terrible death of his colleagues and the only way he can deal with his loss and pain is by helping and being there for his dead friend’s families.
When these two damaged souls meet at an art class, they feel a connection each other.
They recognize something that comforts and eases their pain.
I loved watching Arden and Seth together. Their relationship felt real and the progression from sex to friends to lovers was done in a very believable and natural way. Understanding each other’s pain, fears and insecurities…..
I so wanted these two people to be together and find happiness in their lives…I was so invested in their relationship. Sadness, giving, understanding, caring and an incredibly unselfish love for each other.
I love this author’s writing style and voice. She has a unique and distinctive way with words that enthralled me from the very first page.
Wrapped securely in his arms, she let the silence settle over her. She breathed in, breathed out, and knew she was alive. She breathed in, breathed out, and knew peace.Engaging secondary characters and a beautiful setting.
I am so looking forward to reading more of this author’s books.
This is definitely one of my favorite reads in 2015.
Go on, get this book….why? Because it’s more than just brilliant and unforgettable.
And not forgetting…. a big and huge THANK YOU to my GR friend, Baba, whose brilliant review made me want to read this book. You rock BB!!!
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Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Review: Blood Sins (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #11) by Kay Hooper
Blood Sins by Kay Hooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4,5 stars
Blood Sins, the 11th book in Kay Hooper’s brilliant Bishop/Special Crimes Unit Series, kicks off just after the ending in the previous book, Blood Dreams, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... , where the serial killer had been caught but discovered that he had just been used by a very powerful and dangerous puppet master.
The mastermind behind the horrific killings is thought to be a man named Rev Samuel, leader of the Church of the Everlasting Sin, situated in the mountains near the small town of Grace, North Carolina.
The SCU and Haven, work together to find out more about the church compound and its leader and members.
Tessa Gray, member of Haven, has the unique gift of being able to identify and connect with other psychics and their abilities is asked to go undercover as a wealthy widow living in Grace and use that status to infiltrate the church and find out more about its leader and members.
This was a really scary read.
An evil psychic whose powers are increased by draining other psychic’s powers that make him even more powerful.
What Tessa discovers in the church compound is so malevolent and evil and seeing how people are manipulated and used in the name of religion is so terrifying. The fear and the abuse that the children there go through is frightening and more than fearful.
I liked Tessa and Grace’s chief of police, Sawyer Cavenaugh, who helps her with her mission. I would have liked more romance between these two characters, but I have a feeling that the connection they have with each other will progress in the series.
And Noah Bishop finally discovering who the person behind the conspiracy to bring harm to the SCU was more than unexpected. I never had a clue!!!
Loved the appearances made in this book – Gallen, Quentin and Hollis, who I am still eagerly waiting for her book!!!
Filled with tension, mystery, suspense and ambiguity that keep you turning the pages, wanting to know – what next!!!!
A great addition to a great series.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4,5 stars
Blood Sins, the 11th book in Kay Hooper’s brilliant Bishop/Special Crimes Unit Series, kicks off just after the ending in the previous book, Blood Dreams, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... , where the serial killer had been caught but discovered that he had just been used by a very powerful and dangerous puppet master.
The mastermind behind the horrific killings is thought to be a man named Rev Samuel, leader of the Church of the Everlasting Sin, situated in the mountains near the small town of Grace, North Carolina.
The SCU and Haven, work together to find out more about the church compound and its leader and members.
Tessa Gray, member of Haven, has the unique gift of being able to identify and connect with other psychics and their abilities is asked to go undercover as a wealthy widow living in Grace and use that status to infiltrate the church and find out more about its leader and members.
This was a really scary read.
An evil psychic whose powers are increased by draining other psychic’s powers that make him even more powerful.
What Tessa discovers in the church compound is so malevolent and evil and seeing how people are manipulated and used in the name of religion is so terrifying. The fear and the abuse that the children there go through is frightening and more than fearful.
I liked Tessa and Grace’s chief of police, Sawyer Cavenaugh, who helps her with her mission. I would have liked more romance between these two characters, but I have a feeling that the connection they have with each other will progress in the series.
And Noah Bishop finally discovering who the person behind the conspiracy to bring harm to the SCU was more than unexpected. I never had a clue!!!
Loved the appearances made in this book – Gallen, Quentin and Hollis, who I am still eagerly waiting for her book!!!
Filled with tension, mystery, suspense and ambiguity that keep you turning the pages, wanting to know – what next!!!!
A great addition to a great series.
View all my reviews
Review: Blood Dreams (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit, #10) by Kay Hooper
Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Blood Dreams is the 10th book in Kay Hooper’s Bishop/Special Crimes Unit Series about a group of psychics that solve serial killer crimes.
This is the book that introduces Haven, a private organization that was set up by millionaire John Garrett and his psychic wife, Maggie Barnes to help psychics with dealing with their powers and whilst they work along with the Special Crimes Unit, they are in no way affiliated to the FBI.
Dani Justice, whose psychic ability is that she can often predict the future in her dreams, has returned home after being away for years to be with her twin sister, Paris, who has just gone through a very ugly divorce. Soon she’s thrown into helping the local enforcement agents to finding a serial killer that had been on a murder rampage in other cities and has now traveled from his last place to her home town.
Once again the author gives us no clue who the killer is. All he knows is that he/she possesses strong psychic abilities and is able to enter Dani’s dreams.
I enjoyed this story but it’s not the best one in the series.
I would have liked Dani and Marc, the local sheriff’s relationship to be a bit more developed. I just never got to know the two that well. I would have also liked seeing a bit more romance and more about their relationship.
I liked seeing characters that I have come to know from the previous books, Noah and Miranda Bishop (not enough of these two!!), Hollis Templeton….who is a really interesting character and hopefully we will have her own book soon,
A hint that there’s something more going on with the serial killer, who is chillingly and scarily evil. The mention of a Prophecy and a feeling that there is some kind of conspiracy that wants to harm people with psychic powers.
A twist at the end??? Of course!!!! Again, the most unexpected one.
This is such a good and really unique series.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Blood Dreams is the 10th book in Kay Hooper’s Bishop/Special Crimes Unit Series about a group of psychics that solve serial killer crimes.
This is the book that introduces Haven, a private organization that was set up by millionaire John Garrett and his psychic wife, Maggie Barnes to help psychics with dealing with their powers and whilst they work along with the Special Crimes Unit, they are in no way affiliated to the FBI.
Dani Justice, whose psychic ability is that she can often predict the future in her dreams, has returned home after being away for years to be with her twin sister, Paris, who has just gone through a very ugly divorce. Soon she’s thrown into helping the local enforcement agents to finding a serial killer that had been on a murder rampage in other cities and has now traveled from his last place to her home town.
Once again the author gives us no clue who the killer is. All he knows is that he/she possesses strong psychic abilities and is able to enter Dani’s dreams.
I enjoyed this story but it’s not the best one in the series.
I would have liked Dani and Marc, the local sheriff’s relationship to be a bit more developed. I just never got to know the two that well. I would have also liked seeing a bit more romance and more about their relationship.
I liked seeing characters that I have come to know from the previous books, Noah and Miranda Bishop (not enough of these two!!), Hollis Templeton….who is a really interesting character and hopefully we will have her own book soon,
A hint that there’s something more going on with the serial killer, who is chillingly and scarily evil. The mention of a Prophecy and a feeling that there is some kind of conspiracy that wants to harm people with psychic powers.
A twist at the end??? Of course!!!! Again, the most unexpected one.
This is such a good and really unique series.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Review: Sleeping with Fear (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit, #9) by Kay Hooper
Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sleeping with Fear, (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #9) by Kay Hooper is really a page turner!!
First line in the book…………
Riley Crane, member of FBI SCU unit of psychics and an expert on occult rituals is working undercover in Opal Island investigating rumors of occult activity in that area.
She wakes up one morning having no memory of the last three weeks in her life. She also discovers that she has lost her psychic powers, something that worries not only her but Noah Bishop, her boss.
As her memories slowly begin to surface, she discovers that she has been having an affair with the local DA, Ash Prescott.
She will have to trust her instincts about who she can trust as she tries to solve the mystery in Opal, a small coastal island of the coast of Georgia.
It soon becomes apparent that someone with evil psychic powers is trying to take control of her own powers.
As Riley tries to find the cause of her problem and the strange happenings in the small town, she will have use all her power to overcome the malevolence of a remorseless and ruthless killer bent on revenge and killing Riley and Ash, who have a connection to the killer.
I adored Riley. Kick-ass, fearless and cute and cool under fire.
Riley and Ash’s romance was believable and I liked their connection and their chemistry. I thought they were perfect for each other.
The revelation of the villain at the end blew me away. I had no idea that would be the killer and the reason for the killings.
Suspense…mystery…..unexpected twists…..romance….love….engaging characters….leaving you wanting more!!!!
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sleeping with Fear, (Bishop/Special Crimes Unit #9) by Kay Hooper is really a page turner!!
First line in the book…………
Even before she opened her eyes, Riley Crane was aware of two things. Her pounding head, and the smell of blood.And from then onwards…I was totally hooked!!!
Riley Crane, member of FBI SCU unit of psychics and an expert on occult rituals is working undercover in Opal Island investigating rumors of occult activity in that area.
She wakes up one morning having no memory of the last three weeks in her life. She also discovers that she has lost her psychic powers, something that worries not only her but Noah Bishop, her boss.
As her memories slowly begin to surface, she discovers that she has been having an affair with the local DA, Ash Prescott.
She will have to trust her instincts about who she can trust as she tries to solve the mystery in Opal, a small coastal island of the coast of Georgia.
It soon becomes apparent that someone with evil psychic powers is trying to take control of her own powers.
As Riley tries to find the cause of her problem and the strange happenings in the small town, she will have use all her power to overcome the malevolence of a remorseless and ruthless killer bent on revenge and killing Riley and Ash, who have a connection to the killer.
I adored Riley. Kick-ass, fearless and cute and cool under fire.
Riley and Ash’s romance was believable and I liked their connection and their chemistry. I thought they were perfect for each other.
The revelation of the villain at the end blew me away. I had no idea that would be the killer and the reason for the killings.
Suspense…mystery…..unexpected twists…..romance….love….engaging characters….leaving you wanting more!!!!
View all my reviews
Review: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy, #1) by J.R. Ward (Goodreads Author)
Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m thrilled and excited…………The Black Dagger Brotherhood world is back!!!!!
Thank you…..
Since the 1st book I read in your incredibly amazing BDB Series…..I have been hooked, addicted, obsessed, possessed, passionate…damn…..there are not enough words to describe how much I feel about the world and characters that you have created…………..you now have a fan in me for life…..
Why did I ever doubt that you would be able to continue that BDB magic?
Okay, let me just write down my thoughts and feelings about Blood Kiss, the 1st book in the Black Dagger Legacy Series, the spinoff of the original BDB Series.
I’m not going into the storyline here….by now, all the BDB fans and others know it….so, let’s get to what I loved about the story.
What a brilliant move! Not only do we connect with the brothers and their shellans that we have come to adore – bonus…. but we are now introduced to the new warrior recruits wanting to join the BIG TEAM!!!
And even when we have glimpses of past favorites, the storyline is told by only 4 different POV’s……..Craeg & Paradise (new recruits) and Butch and Marissa!! The focus is on these two couples which is really great….giving the readers an in depth look into these characters and their relationships.
The first couple….Craeg and Paradise, were really sweet and endearing. Paradise, glymera royalty, daughter of Wrath’s First Advisor and Craeg, a commoner. When the two meet during their training, more than sparks fly. Both feel a deep connection with each other and Craeg tries to fight his feelings for her because he believes he’s not good enough for someone like her. But Paradise wants more from the life that has been mapped out for her….
The more Craeg fights the feelings he has for Paradise, the more she pushes him…..I loved that their relationship wasn’t one of those insta-love things…..it grew with time and with both struggling to overcome the obstacles that faced them….
I adored Paradise…never mind that I thought her name was a bit “naff”…..she had strength and determination to do something worthwhile with her life, she had focus, and she was caring and looked out for the underdog. I loved her grit, willpower and her purpose to wanting something more than just being a spoilt and cosseted member of the glymera.
And the fact that she was not afraid to kick Craeg’s butt…….when he continued with his “I’m not good enough for you” shit….you go girl!!
I liked these two as a couple. I found them very engaging and endearing…..although…yes, there is one of those…..I wanted a bit more zing, more heat when they gave in to those emotions…you know what I mean….okay, the encounters were a bit….let’s just said…I wanted to feel the HEAT we have become familiar with of the BDB couples. Nevertheless, I enjoyed their moments together….
Now, onto Butch and Marissa…….
Butch is still a lovable character…still loves his designer wardrobe, which he doesn’t mind sharing with Craeg, who doesn’t have a wardrobe at all!!! He still kicks ass. He continues his connection and funny interaction with Vishous and he’s still totally over everything in love with his princess…Marissa. He still sees her as this Madonna…..in that high pedestal.
Their relationship is still strong but there are a few cracks that show up here. Their love for each other is really beautiful….
Marissa has truly grown and become a really strong person. She wants Butch to see the real her instead of the person he’s placed on a pedestal. I grew to love her even more….how she dealt with her estranged brother, Havers, how she dealt with the death of an unknown woman in the Safe House and how she’s coming out of her repressed shell….
My all time favorite scene in this book………the girls night….what a time the shellans had together watching…..yes, wait for it…MAGIC MIKE XX3
And the guys waiting outside the room……..discussing what the girls were doing? I was rolling on the floor…laughing my head off….
Oh, that’s Butch chasing Marissa after the movie!!!!
Loved the 1st training exercise that the brothers devised for the new recruits!!! Whew….action, unexpected surprises…..totally wicked….and of course Lassiter had a part in it too…
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m thrilled and excited…………The Black Dagger Brotherhood world is back!!!!!
Thank you…..
Since the 1st book I read in your incredibly amazing BDB Series…..I have been hooked, addicted, obsessed, possessed, passionate…damn…..there are not enough words to describe how much I feel about the world and characters that you have created…………..you now have a fan in me for life…..
Why did I ever doubt that you would be able to continue that BDB magic?
Okay, let me just write down my thoughts and feelings about Blood Kiss, the 1st book in the Black Dagger Legacy Series, the spinoff of the original BDB Series.
I’m not going into the storyline here….by now, all the BDB fans and others know it….so, let’s get to what I loved about the story.
What a brilliant move! Not only do we connect with the brothers and their shellans that we have come to adore – bonus…. but we are now introduced to the new warrior recruits wanting to join the BIG TEAM!!!
And even when we have glimpses of past favorites, the storyline is told by only 4 different POV’s……..Craeg & Paradise (new recruits) and Butch and Marissa!! The focus is on these two couples which is really great….giving the readers an in depth look into these characters and their relationships.
The first couple….Craeg and Paradise, were really sweet and endearing. Paradise, glymera royalty, daughter of Wrath’s First Advisor and Craeg, a commoner. When the two meet during their training, more than sparks fly. Both feel a deep connection with each other and Craeg tries to fight his feelings for her because he believes he’s not good enough for someone like her. But Paradise wants more from the life that has been mapped out for her….
The more Craeg fights the feelings he has for Paradise, the more she pushes him…..I loved that their relationship wasn’t one of those insta-love things…..it grew with time and with both struggling to overcome the obstacles that faced them….
I adored Paradise…never mind that I thought her name was a bit “naff”…..she had strength and determination to do something worthwhile with her life, she had focus, and she was caring and looked out for the underdog. I loved her grit, willpower and her purpose to wanting something more than just being a spoilt and cosseted member of the glymera.
And the fact that she was not afraid to kick Craeg’s butt…….when he continued with his “I’m not good enough for you” shit….you go girl!!
I liked these two as a couple. I found them very engaging and endearing…..although…yes, there is one of those…..I wanted a bit more zing, more heat when they gave in to those emotions…you know what I mean….okay, the encounters were a bit….let’s just said…I wanted to feel the HEAT we have become familiar with of the BDB couples. Nevertheless, I enjoyed their moments together….
Now, onto Butch and Marissa…….
Butch is still a lovable character…still loves his designer wardrobe, which he doesn’t mind sharing with Craeg, who doesn’t have a wardrobe at all!!! He still kicks ass. He continues his connection and funny interaction with Vishous and he’s still totally over everything in love with his princess…Marissa. He still sees her as this Madonna…..in that high pedestal.
Their relationship is still strong but there are a few cracks that show up here. Their love for each other is really beautiful….
Marissa has truly grown and become a really strong person. She wants Butch to see the real her instead of the person he’s placed on a pedestal. I grew to love her even more….how she dealt with her estranged brother, Havers, how she dealt with the death of an unknown woman in the Safe House and how she’s coming out of her repressed shell….
My all time favorite scene in this book………the girls night….what a time the shellans had together watching…..yes, wait for it…MAGIC MIKE XX3
And the guys waiting outside the room……..discussing what the girls were doing? I was rolling on the floor…laughing my head off….
Oh, that’s Butch chasing Marissa after the movie!!!!
Loved the 1st training exercise that the brothers devised for the new recruits!!! Whew….action, unexpected surprises…..totally wicked….and of course Lassiter had a part in it too…
I love this angel!!! Please can we get his story SOON?????
The mystery serial killer subplot??? Yeah….a bit weak!!!! That’s probably the only “peeve” I have!!!
I so liked this book…….and I can’t wait for some more!!!
SOON!!!!!
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