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Now You See Her
Now You See Her
Heidi Perks | 2018 | Mystery, Thriller
10
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
What would you do if you leave your kid with your friend, and she suddenly lost it? How would you react if they told you she was on her phone throughout that time? Your friend has many secrets, but hey - SO DO YOU!
In a world full of psychological thrillers about missing girls, this is probably the only one that stands out on its own and reigns them all.

What would you do if you leave your kid with your friend, and she suddenly lost it? How would you react if they told you she was on her phone throughout that time? Your friend has many secrets, but hey - SO DO YOU!

<img src="https://www.deadgoodbooks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Extract-Now-You-See-Her-Heidi-Perks.jpg"/>;

While we have the overrated stories of how a girl goes missing, everyone involved is hiding something, things get intense, and in one moment we find it all out - here Heidi Perks did an extremely great job to spice things up and make this book one of a kind. She blended all these things together so well, that I couldn’t put the book down with intense moments happening on every single page.

The characters were very well formed - I could connect so easily to every single one of them. I loved their backgrounds and the little Easter eggs hidden through that only made sense in the end - PRECIOUS!

The story plot was so cleverly put together, and I greatly enjoyed it! A nice, fast-paced, psychological thriller that will give you the chills constantly, make you start biting your nails again, scroll through the next chapters and forget about your sleep until you’ve finished it!.

Big - intense five-stars from me, and definitely one of the best intense stories I have read in 2018!

A big thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone, for providing me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
  
Z
Zombified
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was a very enjoyable read with an intriguing and promising premise for it's plot, but at times it just simply didn't deliver for me. That being said, I still felt compelled to find how the story ended and follow the characters through to the end, which is a strong point in it's favour.

The characters are a real mixed bunch, especially Henri and Josie. They capture your imagination and make you consider zombies in a completely different way, which was a positive for me as I usually shy away from anything to do with zombies. The other rag tags in the bunch are equally unusual, or perhaps unique is a better word, and they do capture your attention. They all have plenty of secrets, some of which could have been developed in more detail, but all of which give you something interesting about them.

In the main part, the plot is quite logical and develops well as the story progresses. It did stall slightly when it first started, and I don't feel like the pace was ever really capitalised on. It's clear LaCroix has tried hard to provide a good deal of development of characters, back stories and the plot in general, but at times, it didn't quite fit. The story had a rather strange and unexpected ending which was intriguing and works quite well as a cliff hanger.

In conclusion, I have to say I did find this book tough at times but it has something about it that redeems it. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I feel like with a little tweaking it could be a fantastic book, it's just not there yet, I will read the next in the series as I do want to know what happens to the characters, but I have mixed feelings about this book.

This book was reviewed as part of a blog tour (ARC provided for honest review) on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=515
  
TF
The Food Critic
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I can't express how excited I was when this delightfully paced little gem arrived in my inbox. I've devoured everything Ms Hargrave has ever offered me and I have to say that this beauty was no different. Characters, plot, sex, it was all spot on. And considering it's a short book, it certainly packs a very sexy punch.

The lead characters are thoroughly engaging and have you rooting for them from the very start of the book. Serena the consumate professional, until that moment on the table. Stuart, a master of so many different trades. Together they sing from the pages. They both hook you into their own separate worlds and you devour the book in a similar way to how you would a very delectable treat.

The sensuality in this book is hinted at throughout, but the food porn is truly out of this world. It was so well written it had my mouth watering for the tastes described with such finesse and details, and Ms Hargrave had my appetite thoroughly whetted for not only food, but a good many other things too! To hook someone into a story so completely, and have them wanting to recreate certain scenes is definitely a sign of skill!

As far as epilogues, this is one of the best I've read. It was a real happily ever after and it left me with a serious case of the warm fuzzies. I love it when a book leaves me with happy feels, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. As I said, for a short book it was fabulous, it had everything I wanted, it was very enjoyable and is a book I would highly recommend for anyone who's looking for a short burst of sexy escapism.

*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
  
TL
The Last Leaves Falling
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

The Last Leaves Falling is an emotional read by the author Sarah Benwell. Set in modern day Japan, Abe Sora, a 17 year old boy is trying to come to terms with his diagnosis: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ASL). Although Sora is aware that he will die soon he is ashamed of his deteriorating muscles and his inability to walk and function like other boys his age. In order to attempt to have a "normal" life he signs up to KyoToTeenz forum where he hides behind the username SamuraiMan. He never lets on to his new friends about his disability but they soon find out when they meet in person.

Despite his initial predictions, Mai and Kaito want to stick by Sora and remain his friends. The three of them spend as much time together as possible making Sora's life more bearable while his body rapidly deteriorates.

It is very sad to read about Sora's life knowing that he will never grow up to be the person he always wanted to be. Even though there will never be a happy ending to his predicament, Sora encourages his friends, particularly Mai, to fight for who they want to be rather than giving into the the pressures of parents and school.

Knowing that Sora is going to die makes the ending slightly predictable however it is still heartbreaking. It makes the reader wonder what happens to the other characters: Mai, Kaito and Sora's mother; after the final pages.

This is a brilliant book for young adult readers. As well as dealing with difficult themes such as death, Benwell emphasises the importance of wishes and dreams. Due to certain aspects of the story (death and suicide) this book is unsuitable for the more vulnerable reader. Overall The Last Leaves Falling is an excellent work of fiction.
  
The Stars Never Rise (The Stars Never Rise, #1)
The Stars Never Rise (The Stars Never Rise, #1)
Rachel Vincent | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
6
5.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest

The Stars Never Rise</i> is the first book in an exciting new dystopian series. Since the war, the rise of soul sucking demons has been reduced, but instead of worrying about the remaining few, Nina Kane spends her time trying to provide food and clothing for herself and her younger sister Melanie. That is until she comes face to face with a demon – a degenerate – that she barely escapes from. Believing that it was a one off encounter and that she is safe within the walled in town of New Temperance run by the Unified Church, Nina turns her focus back to her sister who has her own troubles.

Before Nina gets the chance to help Melanie try to resolve her problem she encounters her second demon in the physical form of someone she has known all her life. While trying to protect herself, Nina unleashes a power she never knew she had. She is an exorcist who can rid bodies of demons, however the Church paints her as a wanted person with suspicions of being possessed.

The story gets exciting when Nina meets Finn, a fugitive, and his friends who help her to escape from the clutches of the Church. The mysterious Finn reveals the truth about Nina’s abilities and the lies the Church want people to believe. Within twenty-four hours the world is no longer the place Nina knew it to be.

Rachel Vincent has filled this book with lots of original ideas from her interpretation of demons to the character Finn, who is not human in the traditional sense. Not only does the story have fantasy/supernatural themes, it also deals with other more realistic issues such as poverty and teenage pregnancy.

<i>The Stars Never Rise</i> is bound to make an impression in the young adult market and become popular with dystopian lovers of all ages. Those who love this book will be eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
  
PM
Private Message (Private, #1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I absolutely devoured this book! I couldn't put the flippin thing down! This story is off the charts hot, the characters are so easy to love, and the twists in the story literally made me yell "shut the f@%k up!"

I was so excited to get an ARC of this book that I pretty much started reading it as soon as it showed its pretty little face on my Kindle screen! From word one I was hooked! I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading this proving that I again have an inadequate respect for my required 8 hours of sleep; but oh baby, was this book ever worth it!

Tess is a great character, and she reminds me of myself in a couple of different ways which made me love her even more, yeah? She is the punky rocker girl who is shy and timid and has walls up all around her heart. She is fun to be around but likes to stick to herself.

Ben is just hot, hot, hot!!! He swoops in and knocks Tess right off her feet! She doesn't know what to think about him, and he just zings her with surprise after surprise! I loved the dynamic of their relationship. Ben also shows a lot of character in the way you watch him grow up throughout the book.


This book left me wanting more! I am not sure if this is going to be part of a series or if the author intended it to be a stand alone book. The ending of the book for me could go either way. I am satisfied if she intended it to be a stand alone, but if she were to expand the story that would be amazing! Private Message is now going to be added to my stack of favorite books! I will be re-reading this again and again!
  
OT
One to Keep (One to Hold, #2)
Tia Louise | 2014
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Tia Louise has done it again! One To Keep is the perfect follow up of One To Hold, but it shows you things from another perspective; a man's. I loved this book, because although it did rehash some of the scenes from One To Hold it did show it from a different side.

The characters were very well developed in this book, and I felt like I really got a chance to know and understand Elaine and Patrick. They were great supporting characters, but Tia in her amazing storytelling abilities took Patrick and Elaine from supporting roles to main characters, and I instantly fell in love with them. We were also introduced to a couple new character, one I loved the other I loved to hate!

Kenny was a fabulous addition to this book, and I hope I get to see more of her. I loved her style and the way her personality played so well off of Patrick's. She's a very interesting character whom I wasn't expecting. She kind of just blindsided me with her awesomeness. Star/Toni was my love to hate character. I loved the way she came into the picture, but hated the torment she put Patrick through.

As per usual Tia Louise writing style, the characters and drama was hot, but the sex scenes were even hotter! I am so glad to have finally found an author that isn't afraid to get down to the nitty gritty and have a sex scene just be raw and call things what they really are.

Over all this book gets 4 stars and two thumbs up in my opinion! I can't wait to read more from Tia Louise! She is a great new writer that is really going to make a name for herself. I expect some great things in her future!

***This book was provided as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
  
40x40

Marylegs (44 KP) rated Spilt Milk in Books

Aug 14, 2019  
Spilt Milk
Spilt Milk
6
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
So I received this book as an ARC. It was definitely not my normal read. I primarily read fantasy/sci-fi/horror/thriller type books, and it always surprises me when I read a book out of these genres and enjoy it. I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book. At the onset of the story we are introduced to three sisters who are trying to get by in a time when morals and opinions were high, and times were difficult for women. The sisters have already lost their mother and father to illnesses and the younger siblings, Vivian and Nellie are dependent on their older sister Rose to bring in the money and look after them.

I won’t go into any more detail about the story as things start happening very quickly and I’m not one for spoilers. The book was beautifully written and once I was invested in the characters (which doesn’t take very long) the chapters began to disappear pretty quickly. It is at its core a story of love and sisters in a time of female hardship. When women could love freely without consequence. When what your neighbors knew about you or could know about you forced women into life shattering choices. That can ultimately tear your family apart. It also shows the change in times and how the love and support of your family can change everything. A beautifully written story about love, family and life time bonds.

I will add just as a slight criticism that I thought the ending sort of dropped off. I would have loved the ending to have had a little something more to it. Having said that that could be the point, that their story hadn’t truly ended, I guess it’s just my personal feelings. I would recommend this book even if it’s not your normal read as it is a captivating story.
  
West of the Moon
West of the Moon
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
West of the Moon is a lovely tale of two sisters who, after their father travels to America from their homeland of Norway, end up in the care of their Aunt. Whist living with their Aunt the two sisters get separated when the Aunt sells the eldest sister, Astri, to the local goat herder. As we soon find out he is as cruel if not crueler than the greedy Aunt. The story basically revolves around Astri saving herself, the spinning girl who is also being held by the goat herder, then rescuing her younger sister Greta and embarking on a journey to America to find their father.

Whilst I can see why many people are enjoying this book, and I will point out that I read an ARC proof so there may still be slight changes to be made, I just wasn’t fond of the writing style for the most part. This was such a small book compared to what I normally read but I just didn’t feel drawn to read it. Additionally, Astri, the main character uses folk tales and myths to deal with the situations around her and as a coping mechanism. Which I just found long winded and at times confusing. I would have preferred a childlike musing of the situations much like in [b:Room|7937843|Room|Emma Donoghue|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344265419s/7937843.jpg|9585076] by Emma Donoghue, than a child using stories to describe how she feels.

This just wasn’t for me personally and I understand it is aimed at younger readers but I don’t honestly think it would have been my thing even when I was younger. The last section of the book was much better as the folk tale inclusion was minimal and I finally felt like I got to understand Astri’s real feelings about everything that had and was happening to her. I wish it had all been written like this.
  
The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1)
The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1)
Abigail Owen | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

Jumping straight in here, cos ooooooeeeee I did LOVE this book!!

Brand is a rogue dragon, without a clan. Kasia, a Phoenix without a family. A Phoenix is the only one who can mate with the High King of ALL the dragons, and the makes her valuable. Brand is tasked with delivering Kasia to the Blood King, to his only friend from childhood. But Kasia ignites something in Brand, and he knows he cannot give up his mate.

This was, quite possibly, my favourite read this month! I mean, I had a lie in, read a few pages before you have to dig yourself out your pit, and before you know it, 3 hours has past and you've about flung your kindle (but not quite!) at the wall, cos now you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday!

Everyone, and I mean everyone IMPORTANT has a say: Kasia, Brand, and all those trying to get Kasia (but not saying who!)

Not everything is immediately clear, and you put things together all kinds of wrong before things are cleared up. And I LOVE being kept on my toes!

It's different, and I LOVE different, with the Phoenix being the key to High King status. With female born dragons being unable to bare children. With Kasia and her sisters having hidden for so long, and Kasia not doing so well hiding herself anymore.

There is an ongoing story arc, that makes you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED book two, yesterday, to see what happens to Kasia's sisters. You can't see what's going to happen, not in the long term, but a massive clue screams at you for one sister, and there is another, much less subtle clue, for another. Whether that pans out how I see it, remains to be seen, but I WILL be reading these books!

Thank you, Ms Owen, for proper making my day!

5 bright and shiny stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**