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Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Her Reluctant Heart in Books
May 23, 2024
bloody LOVED this book!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
What this is, my good book peeps, is the story of a woman, who has twice been burned, finding that sometimes, the third time really is a charm!
I LOVED this book! I have a minor niggle, but it really is a minor one, and I'll come back to that.
Sam is working hard to keep her family together. She struggles as a single parent to three exceptionally gifted children, without any help from their sperm donor (Eldest child's words, not mine!) or loser number two. Then Tony rail-roads himself into her life, and knocks things way off kilter.
What I especially loved about this, was the patience that Sam had with Tony, and vice versa, except maybe the spoiling thing. Sam is wary, and it takes time for her to fully open up to Tony about loser numbers one and two. Once he knows this, he tries, really REALLY hard to see things from Sam's point of view. He messes up, yes, but once Sam realises he only did that thing for HER and her children, with nothing wanted in return, she comes around.
I loved the kids: they really are amazing and they take to Tony wonderfully well. They warn him to look after their mum, and he takes that very VERY seriously.
I loved how Sam, once she found her feet, slotted into Tony's world. It was daunting, meeting all these Hollywood A-listers was difficult at best, but Tony's real friends, not the three dollar bills ones, took to Sam equally well. And the kids too!
It's deeply emotional, given what Sam has been through, and I felt her at some points, having been through some things like her myself. It's not overly smexy though, and I think for this book, it was a perfect amount of smexiness. It takes Sam time to let Tony get that close to her, and I loved that he was willing to wait for this amazing woman who couldn't see that she was!
I adored, I mean, it made me cry, what Tony did with Sam's house plans. That really was a wonderful way to show here that he was serious about her and the kids. Bawled my head off when she discovered the kitchen!
So, my niggle. And as I said, it really is just a niggle and me being greedy, but it's my review, and this is how I feel.
We don't get Tony. At all. And I desperately wanted to hear from him at some point along the way. Once I realised it was just Sam's point of view, I was resigned to not hearing from him. It would have just made this book, I think. Not that it takes away from this outstanding piece of work!
I wonder how much of the author I see in Sam. It's written in such a way that makes me think there is SOME author in Sam, and I loved that.
I loved this book, no Tony notwithstanding so it can only get. . . .
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
What this is, my good book peeps, is the story of a woman, who has twice been burned, finding that sometimes, the third time really is a charm!
I LOVED this book! I have a minor niggle, but it really is a minor one, and I'll come back to that.
Sam is working hard to keep her family together. She struggles as a single parent to three exceptionally gifted children, without any help from their sperm donor (Eldest child's words, not mine!) or loser number two. Then Tony rail-roads himself into her life, and knocks things way off kilter.
What I especially loved about this, was the patience that Sam had with Tony, and vice versa, except maybe the spoiling thing. Sam is wary, and it takes time for her to fully open up to Tony about loser numbers one and two. Once he knows this, he tries, really REALLY hard to see things from Sam's point of view. He messes up, yes, but once Sam realises he only did that thing for HER and her children, with nothing wanted in return, she comes around.
I loved the kids: they really are amazing and they take to Tony wonderfully well. They warn him to look after their mum, and he takes that very VERY seriously.
I loved how Sam, once she found her feet, slotted into Tony's world. It was daunting, meeting all these Hollywood A-listers was difficult at best, but Tony's real friends, not the three dollar bills ones, took to Sam equally well. And the kids too!
It's deeply emotional, given what Sam has been through, and I felt her at some points, having been through some things like her myself. It's not overly smexy though, and I think for this book, it was a perfect amount of smexiness. It takes Sam time to let Tony get that close to her, and I loved that he was willing to wait for this amazing woman who couldn't see that she was!
I adored, I mean, it made me cry, what Tony did with Sam's house plans. That really was a wonderful way to show here that he was serious about her and the kids. Bawled my head off when she discovered the kitchen!
So, my niggle. And as I said, it really is just a niggle and me being greedy, but it's my review, and this is how I feel.
We don't get Tony. At all. And I desperately wanted to hear from him at some point along the way. Once I realised it was just Sam's point of view, I was resigned to not hearing from him. It would have just made this book, I think. Not that it takes away from this outstanding piece of work!
I wonder how much of the author I see in Sam. It's written in such a way that makes me think there is SOME author in Sam, and I loved that.
I loved this book, no Tony notwithstanding so it can only get. . . .
5 full and shiny stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Blood of the Damned - Thorn (Vaughn Winery #1) in Books
Oct 15, 2025
I liked that it doesn't focus so much on the Divergent part of Ledger.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is set in the Divergent Omegaverse world, but spins off. You don't need to read those books before this one, you can pick it straight up. However, I personally recommend you read at least Alpha's Divergent Omega. It will give you a better picture of this world, and what it means to be Divergent here. Lane and Derick make a visit here.
Ledger is Divergent: He has an inner animal, a squirrel, but he cannot shift. He runs to the Vaugn Winery to get away from a break up. Meeting his mate was never in the plan, finding out that mate is his new boss AND a vampire?? Mind blowing but Ledger and Thorn run with it, until Thorn discovers just how vampire babies are born.
I love Ms Sayle, you know I do, but this book takes me back to the very beginning of her author career and I'm left with questions!
So many bloody questions and feelings!! And, as is par for the course with this author, I cannot voice all of them and that is so frustrating!! My book brain is doing overtime, while battling a nasty cold and I can't get them all out.
I can voice some though!
I liked this a lot. It doesn't focus so much on the divergent part of Ledger and more on the vampire part of Thorn, and his brothers: Calvert and Dacian. There is a sister, Elouise, but she is only talked about and to on the phone but doesn't really play a part, other than to tell Thorn just how vampire babies are born!
I found the relationship between the others amusing, Dacian takes great pleasure in winding Thorn up, but Calvert is more subdued. His feelings about Thorn and Ledger become known through the book and I wonder if Ms Sayle will make him wait til last to find his dhampir, his fated mate.
It's steamy, and that steam runs right through the book.
so, questions! What was the thing with the increased wine order?? That was mentioned and left hanging. And I wanna know!
Who is next?? Will each vampire be mated to a Divergent? Or will there be some surprises? OOOH Will Elouise get a book too??
Feelings?? You should know this is an m-preg world, and there is a male pregnancy in this book AND a vampire birth. (which was slightly faded to grey and I'm so glad it was! But now I know, I can prepare myself for next time, cos I have a feeling that the next one might not be quite so simple as using thrall!)
I feel this has been deliberately left sort of open ended. While there is the birth of Ledger's babies, the book ends there. And that is my biggest and strongest feeling: There is more to come for Thorn and Ledger.
And I want to be front and centre!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is set in the Divergent Omegaverse world, but spins off. You don't need to read those books before this one, you can pick it straight up. However, I personally recommend you read at least Alpha's Divergent Omega. It will give you a better picture of this world, and what it means to be Divergent here. Lane and Derick make a visit here.
Ledger is Divergent: He has an inner animal, a squirrel, but he cannot shift. He runs to the Vaugn Winery to get away from a break up. Meeting his mate was never in the plan, finding out that mate is his new boss AND a vampire?? Mind blowing but Ledger and Thorn run with it, until Thorn discovers just how vampire babies are born.
I love Ms Sayle, you know I do, but this book takes me back to the very beginning of her author career and I'm left with questions!
So many bloody questions and feelings!! And, as is par for the course with this author, I cannot voice all of them and that is so frustrating!! My book brain is doing overtime, while battling a nasty cold and I can't get them all out.
I can voice some though!
I liked this a lot. It doesn't focus so much on the divergent part of Ledger and more on the vampire part of Thorn, and his brothers: Calvert and Dacian. There is a sister, Elouise, but she is only talked about and to on the phone but doesn't really play a part, other than to tell Thorn just how vampire babies are born!
I found the relationship between the others amusing, Dacian takes great pleasure in winding Thorn up, but Calvert is more subdued. His feelings about Thorn and Ledger become known through the book and I wonder if Ms Sayle will make him wait til last to find his dhampir, his fated mate.
It's steamy, and that steam runs right through the book.
so, questions! What was the thing with the increased wine order?? That was mentioned and left hanging. And I wanna know!
Who is next?? Will each vampire be mated to a Divergent? Or will there be some surprises? OOOH Will Elouise get a book too??
Feelings?? You should know this is an m-preg world, and there is a male pregnancy in this book AND a vampire birth. (which was slightly faded to grey and I'm so glad it was! But now I know, I can prepare myself for next time, cos I have a feeling that the next one might not be quite so simple as using thrall!)
I feel this has been deliberately left sort of open ended. While there is the birth of Ledger's babies, the book ends there. And that is my biggest and strongest feeling: There is more to come for Thorn and Ledger.
And I want to be front and centre!!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Jane Steele in Books
May 24, 2017
Classic Retelling
This eBook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
“Reader, I murdered him.” Jane Steele is a gothic retelling of the renowned Jane Eyre written by the celebrated Charlotte Bronte. Crime writer, Lyndsay Faye, creates an entirely new story, whilst appropriating the skeletal structure of the original classic. However, Jane Steele is nothing like the Miss Eyre everyone is familiar with. She is far more headstrong and independent, and also a murderer.
Before readers are discouraged to hear that their beloved Jane is portrayed as a criminal, the murders that occur are more of a homicidal or self-defense nature, as opposed to premeditated serial killing. In fact the first death, occurring when she is a nine year old orphan, is not her fault at all, however it prompts Jane’s wealthy aunt to pack her off to boarding school, and thus the similarities with Jane Eyre commence.
Written in an autobiographical manner, Jane describes her years at the virulent school, where she and the other girls experience abuse at the hands of the ignoble schoolmaster. As readers will recall, Eyre’s life improves in her later school years, however Jane Steele’s education comes to a premature end, resulting in her fending for herself in 19th century London.
As the blurb indicates, Jane returns to the house she grew up in after the death of her aunt, affecting to be a governess for the current owner’s ward. Mr. Charles Thornfield, a bachelor, is Jane Steele’s version of Rochester, minus the wife in the attic. The contents of the cellar, on the other hand, are a different matter…
From a romantic point of view, all happens in a similar manner to Jane Eyre, however this is where the comparisons end. With concealed crimes and secrets, as well as an unsolved murder, the story becomes the thriller it initially proposed to be. The incisive Jane Steele takes matters into her own hands – figuratively and literally – as she determines to resolve the unanswered questions.
Although not written with the intent to be comical, the stark contrasts between original and retelling create humorous scenarios. The nature of the main character in comparison with the time frame, a period where women had very little rights, makes the narrative far more exciting and amusing than the earlier novel – although not necessarily better.
Lyndsay Faye maintains the atmosphere of the 1800s with her affinity for eloquent turns of phrase and choice of words. She is a prolific author full of wonderful ideas; her ability to create a new story out of a well-known classic is a formidable skill. What is admirable is they way in which Faye has made Jane Steele a novel in its own right, and not merely a rip-off of Bronte’s work.
The skillful composition and wording will likely be loved by all, its only downfall being the reaction of hardcore Jane Eyre fans. Those who wish for the classics to be left alone and not pulled apart by contemporary authors or film directors may adopt a negative attitude towards to publication of Jane Steele. On the other hand, many will absolutely love this gothic retelling, appreciate the similarities and enjoy the new twist to the storyline. Personally, I am with the latter group.
“Reader, I murdered him.” Jane Steele is a gothic retelling of the renowned Jane Eyre written by the celebrated Charlotte Bronte. Crime writer, Lyndsay Faye, creates an entirely new story, whilst appropriating the skeletal structure of the original classic. However, Jane Steele is nothing like the Miss Eyre everyone is familiar with. She is far more headstrong and independent, and also a murderer.
Before readers are discouraged to hear that their beloved Jane is portrayed as a criminal, the murders that occur are more of a homicidal or self-defense nature, as opposed to premeditated serial killing. In fact the first death, occurring when she is a nine year old orphan, is not her fault at all, however it prompts Jane’s wealthy aunt to pack her off to boarding school, and thus the similarities with Jane Eyre commence.
Written in an autobiographical manner, Jane describes her years at the virulent school, where she and the other girls experience abuse at the hands of the ignoble schoolmaster. As readers will recall, Eyre’s life improves in her later school years, however Jane Steele’s education comes to a premature end, resulting in her fending for herself in 19th century London.
As the blurb indicates, Jane returns to the house she grew up in after the death of her aunt, affecting to be a governess for the current owner’s ward. Mr. Charles Thornfield, a bachelor, is Jane Steele’s version of Rochester, minus the wife in the attic. The contents of the cellar, on the other hand, are a different matter…
From a romantic point of view, all happens in a similar manner to Jane Eyre, however this is where the comparisons end. With concealed crimes and secrets, as well as an unsolved murder, the story becomes the thriller it initially proposed to be. The incisive Jane Steele takes matters into her own hands – figuratively and literally – as she determines to resolve the unanswered questions.
Although not written with the intent to be comical, the stark contrasts between original and retelling create humorous scenarios. The nature of the main character in comparison with the time frame, a period where women had very little rights, makes the narrative far more exciting and amusing than the earlier novel – although not necessarily better.
Lyndsay Faye maintains the atmosphere of the 1800s with her affinity for eloquent turns of phrase and choice of words. She is a prolific author full of wonderful ideas; her ability to create a new story out of a well-known classic is a formidable skill. What is admirable is they way in which Faye has made Jane Steele a novel in its own right, and not merely a rip-off of Bronte’s work.
The skillful composition and wording will likely be loved by all, its only downfall being the reaction of hardcore Jane Eyre fans. Those who wish for the classics to be left alone and not pulled apart by contemporary authors or film directors may adopt a negative attitude towards to publication of Jane Steele. On the other hand, many will absolutely love this gothic retelling, appreciate the similarities and enjoy the new twist to the storyline. Personally, I am with the latter group.
Bethany Fletcher (17 KP) rated Beyond a Darkened Shore in Books
Jun 25, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
I had serious mixed feelings about this book. It promised Viking’s and magic and adventure and that was all there no doubt but not really well.
The book opens straight up with a raid. This is great as it shows us Ciara’s abilities and lets us get a feel for the story to come and our characters in general. But then it didn’t live up to this great introduction. There are plenty of action sequences, battles for Dubhlinn, battles with giants, battles with sea serpents, battles with gods, but they were all so short. Seriously almost every battle was over in about three-four pages. It felt like the author had all these great ideas and then didn’t know how to execute them.
The mythology. I was excited for this book as it was a mixture of Celtic and Norse mythology. It definitely had these elements but maybe too much? There were gods and goddesses, fairy tunnels, each-uisch, giants, magic, the wild hunt, sea serpents, Valhalla, these would have all been fine if they had a purpose. Most of these things appear for 5 pages and then are never mentioned again. It read like the author was trying to throw all of the mythology she knew at us and was trying so hard to prove, Look! Magic is real in this world. It wasn’t all necessary.
The characters. I loved Ciara. She stood up for herself, she didn’t care what anyone else thought, she was strong and independent.
Leif. I liked him to start. He was sassy, sarcastic, he stood up for those he thought were getting mistreated. But then, he did some things that made me seriously question his judgement. There is a scene where Ciara cannot sleep so decides to go and find the Viking mage. When she walks into the room full of drunk Viking men on of them attempts to rape her. Leif does help but then blames her for it saying she shouldn’t have put herself in a dangerous situation. Ciara immediately calls him out and says it’s not my fault I almost got raped because I am female. He quickly tries to backtrack but she is having none of it. This made me love Ciara more and start to question Leif.
Another questionable scene is after Ciara finds out something drastic about Leif’s family. She is understandably upset and leaves. Leif proceeds to chase her, threaten to break down her door and then forces himself on her when she opens it. Again Ciara shuts him down asking how her dare kiss her at that moment. He simply wanted her and didn’t want her to be angry. HOW ABOUT DON’T FORCE YOURSLEF ON HER THEN IDIOT?
The ending. The ending felt so rushed. Seriously we fight the giants and goddesses, sail all the way back to Ireland, have another battle and get established back at Ciara’s home all wishing about 50 pages. It was so rushed. Like the writer was nearing a page count and couldn’t go over or something.
Having said all of this I did really enjoy reading the book. It didn’t take very long was a pleasant reading experience. If it sounds like something you would like then go check it out.
The book opens straight up with a raid. This is great as it shows us Ciara’s abilities and lets us get a feel for the story to come and our characters in general. But then it didn’t live up to this great introduction. There are plenty of action sequences, battles for Dubhlinn, battles with giants, battles with sea serpents, battles with gods, but they were all so short. Seriously almost every battle was over in about three-four pages. It felt like the author had all these great ideas and then didn’t know how to execute them.
The mythology. I was excited for this book as it was a mixture of Celtic and Norse mythology. It definitely had these elements but maybe too much? There were gods and goddesses, fairy tunnels, each-uisch, giants, magic, the wild hunt, sea serpents, Valhalla, these would have all been fine if they had a purpose. Most of these things appear for 5 pages and then are never mentioned again. It read like the author was trying to throw all of the mythology she knew at us and was trying so hard to prove, Look! Magic is real in this world. It wasn’t all necessary.
The characters. I loved Ciara. She stood up for herself, she didn’t care what anyone else thought, she was strong and independent.
Leif. I liked him to start. He was sassy, sarcastic, he stood up for those he thought were getting mistreated. But then, he did some things that made me seriously question his judgement. There is a scene where Ciara cannot sleep so decides to go and find the Viking mage. When she walks into the room full of drunk Viking men on of them attempts to rape her. Leif does help but then blames her for it saying she shouldn’t have put herself in a dangerous situation. Ciara immediately calls him out and says it’s not my fault I almost got raped because I am female. He quickly tries to backtrack but she is having none of it. This made me love Ciara more and start to question Leif.
Another questionable scene is after Ciara finds out something drastic about Leif’s family. She is understandably upset and leaves. Leif proceeds to chase her, threaten to break down her door and then forces himself on her when she opens it. Again Ciara shuts him down asking how her dare kiss her at that moment. He simply wanted her and didn’t want her to be angry. HOW ABOUT DON’T FORCE YOURSLEF ON HER THEN IDIOT?
The ending. The ending felt so rushed. Seriously we fight the giants and goddesses, sail all the way back to Ireland, have another battle and get established back at Ciara’s home all wishing about 50 pages. It was so rushed. Like the writer was nearing a page count and couldn’t go over or something.
Having said all of this I did really enjoy reading the book. It didn’t take very long was a pleasant reading experience. If it sounds like something you would like then go check it out.
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated On The Ice ( Stick Side '#1) in Books
May 14, 2018
kinda creeps up on ya!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Mitch is working two jobs to put himself through college, and get himself in the NHL league. He puts on a front for everyone and anyone who pays him any attention. But Alex sees Mitch, like SEES him, as he really is and Alex wants more. But both young men are fully aware that coming out might jeopardize both the positions in the league.
I made a new shelf, just for books like this! It's title?? Kinda-creeps-up-on-ya!
Because that is just what this book did! It creeps along, slow, slow, fast, fast, slow. The emotions build along the same, and then, THEN?? I ran out of book!
You get sucked in so far, you can't see a way out, except to keep on going and see how it all turns out!
I loved Mitch, with all his fronts and faces he presents to everyone else. I loved that Alex saw, immediately, past those fronts and faces. Loved that Alex makes it clear to Mitch, while he finds him attractive, there can be nothing between them without the EMOTIONAL connection. And Mitch would rather take the nothing, and have Alex in his life, than just the sex, and lose Alex along the way.
I find myself: me, a middle aged English woman, connecting with Alex on a much deeper level than I expected to. Alex is demisexual: he loves people, not genders. But he won't have sex with just anyone, he needs that emotion connection that Mitch is chasing with Alex. And I think THATS what I connected to, the fact he needs that emotional connection.
I did love the epilogue! Loved that, even though these guys could have lost their league places, they followed their hearts!
There is a little bit in the front of this book, that tells you Mitch and Alex pop up in another book by Aislin. They are already married for 6 years in that book, and this is the story of how they got together. I'd like to read that one too.
From what I can see, the first I have read of Aislin, another new to me author who blew me away.
5 stars, that creep up ya!!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Mitch is working two jobs to put himself through college, and get himself in the NHL league. He puts on a front for everyone and anyone who pays him any attention. But Alex sees Mitch, like SEES him, as he really is and Alex wants more. But both young men are fully aware that coming out might jeopardize both the positions in the league.
I made a new shelf, just for books like this! It's title?? Kinda-creeps-up-on-ya!
Because that is just what this book did! It creeps along, slow, slow, fast, fast, slow. The emotions build along the same, and then, THEN?? I ran out of book!
You get sucked in so far, you can't see a way out, except to keep on going and see how it all turns out!
I loved Mitch, with all his fronts and faces he presents to everyone else. I loved that Alex saw, immediately, past those fronts and faces. Loved that Alex makes it clear to Mitch, while he finds him attractive, there can be nothing between them without the EMOTIONAL connection. And Mitch would rather take the nothing, and have Alex in his life, than just the sex, and lose Alex along the way.
I find myself: me, a middle aged English woman, connecting with Alex on a much deeper level than I expected to. Alex is demisexual: he loves people, not genders. But he won't have sex with just anyone, he needs that emotion connection that Mitch is chasing with Alex. And I think THATS what I connected to, the fact he needs that emotional connection.
I did love the epilogue! Loved that, even though these guys could have lost their league places, they followed their hearts!
There is a little bit in the front of this book, that tells you Mitch and Alex pop up in another book by Aislin. They are already married for 6 years in that book, and this is the story of how they got together. I'd like to read that one too.
From what I can see, the first I have read of Aislin, another new to me author who blew me away.
5 stars, that creep up ya!!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Neighbour in Books
May 22, 2019
FOR SALE: A lovely family home with good-sized garden and treehouse occupying a plot close to woodland. Perfect for kids, fitness enthusiasts, dog walkers . . .
And, it seems, the perfect hunting ground for a serial killer.
On a hot July day, Garrick and Olivia Lockwood and their two children move into 25 The Avenue looking for a fresh start. They arrive in the midst of a media frenzy: theyd heard about the local murders in the press, but Garrick was certain the killer would be caught and it would all be over in no time. Besides, theyd got the house at a steal and he was convinced he could flip it for a fortune.
The neighbours seemed to be the very picture of community spirit. But everyone has secrets, and the residents in The Avenue are no exception.
After six months on the case with no real leads, the most recent murder has turned DC Wildeve Stantons life upside down, and now she has her own motive for hunting down the killer quickly.
Loved this book! Once I started reading I was gripped by the story and I just couldn't put it down.
This has to be one of the most cleverly plotted thrillers I've read in years with its twisty reveals, red herrings and ample misdirection, which throws you off the scent many times!
Every time I thought I had it; Bam; hit the floor as the rug was pulled out from under me.
This is a twisty, creepy thriller with a likeable detective in the form of Wildeve Stanton who works hard to find the killer while battling with her own grief.
On The Avenue, behind every door hides a secret, and behind one of these doors is a serial killer that has been living in plain sight. But which door? The chapters give a snapshot view into each of the ongoing lives, into each of their secrets, slowly building up to an emotional terrifying conclusions.
A very chilling enjoyable read that kept from going to bed as I would not stop reading until I got to the end!
Highly Highly Recommend and would give more than 5 stars if I could!
Thank you to the author Fiona Cummins, publishers Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for my digital advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and independent review.
And, it seems, the perfect hunting ground for a serial killer.
On a hot July day, Garrick and Olivia Lockwood and their two children move into 25 The Avenue looking for a fresh start. They arrive in the midst of a media frenzy: theyd heard about the local murders in the press, but Garrick was certain the killer would be caught and it would all be over in no time. Besides, theyd got the house at a steal and he was convinced he could flip it for a fortune.
The neighbours seemed to be the very picture of community spirit. But everyone has secrets, and the residents in The Avenue are no exception.
After six months on the case with no real leads, the most recent murder has turned DC Wildeve Stantons life upside down, and now she has her own motive for hunting down the killer quickly.
Loved this book! Once I started reading I was gripped by the story and I just couldn't put it down.
This has to be one of the most cleverly plotted thrillers I've read in years with its twisty reveals, red herrings and ample misdirection, which throws you off the scent many times!
Every time I thought I had it; Bam; hit the floor as the rug was pulled out from under me.
This is a twisty, creepy thriller with a likeable detective in the form of Wildeve Stanton who works hard to find the killer while battling with her own grief.
On The Avenue, behind every door hides a secret, and behind one of these doors is a serial killer that has been living in plain sight. But which door? The chapters give a snapshot view into each of the ongoing lives, into each of their secrets, slowly building up to an emotional terrifying conclusions.
A very chilling enjoyable read that kept from going to bed as I would not stop reading until I got to the end!
Highly Highly Recommend and would give more than 5 stars if I could!
Thank you to the author Fiona Cummins, publishers Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for my digital advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated Shades in Books
Jun 17, 2018
excellent stand alone for Ms Reese!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
KIllian is a hitman, but lately his mind has been on a certain waiter. Nick is hiding, and when who he is hiding from comes looking for him, Killian goes into major protection mode. But can they find a way out?
I've read all of Ms Reeses's Men of Halfway House series, they are ALL five star reads from me, so I approached this one with a little trepidation. This is a stand alone, totally unrelated to those books, and I wasn't sure how I felt about not reading about characters from a much loved series.
HOWEVER!!!
I LOVED THIS!
There are so many twists and turns, so many things I saw coming and so many I got so very wrong.
I loved that even though it took Killian time to verbalise his emotions, that he FELT them at all, proved he wasn't quite as broken as he thought.
I loved that Nick could read Killian like a bloody book, and loved that it was a constant niggle in the back of Killian's brain "If he can read so well, can others?" that sort of thing.
Loved what Killian was doing on the island, that I did NOT see coming! And I got the original owner of the talisman so very wrong. Another thing I didn't quite put the pieces together in the right order! And I loved that the talisman came full circle, and what Killian did with it after.
It's quite hard to write a gushing review about a book that has so many twists and turns, without giving too much away and spoiling it for everyone who comes after, but I hope I've given you enough hints and clues to pique your interest!
I started this book at 1015pm, after a 12 hour shift, after 4 hours sleep the night before. Come 2am, and I had finished it. So, when you are literally holding your eyes open with matchsticks, and you absolutely NEED to finish this book before you totally collapse, it can only get one rating. When you CANNOT fault it, when youy didn't even expect to get it, and when you simply want more stand alone novels for this author, it can ONLY get.....
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
KIllian is a hitman, but lately his mind has been on a certain waiter. Nick is hiding, and when who he is hiding from comes looking for him, Killian goes into major protection mode. But can they find a way out?
I've read all of Ms Reeses's Men of Halfway House series, they are ALL five star reads from me, so I approached this one with a little trepidation. This is a stand alone, totally unrelated to those books, and I wasn't sure how I felt about not reading about characters from a much loved series.
HOWEVER!!!
I LOVED THIS!
There are so many twists and turns, so many things I saw coming and so many I got so very wrong.
I loved that even though it took Killian time to verbalise his emotions, that he FELT them at all, proved he wasn't quite as broken as he thought.
I loved that Nick could read Killian like a bloody book, and loved that it was a constant niggle in the back of Killian's brain "If he can read so well, can others?" that sort of thing.
Loved what Killian was doing on the island, that I did NOT see coming! And I got the original owner of the talisman so very wrong. Another thing I didn't quite put the pieces together in the right order! And I loved that the talisman came full circle, and what Killian did with it after.
It's quite hard to write a gushing review about a book that has so many twists and turns, without giving too much away and spoiling it for everyone who comes after, but I hope I've given you enough hints and clues to pique your interest!
I started this book at 1015pm, after a 12 hour shift, after 4 hours sleep the night before. Come 2am, and I had finished it. So, when you are literally holding your eyes open with matchsticks, and you absolutely NEED to finish this book before you totally collapse, it can only get one rating. When you CANNOT fault it, when youy didn't even expect to get it, and when you simply want more stand alone novels for this author, it can ONLY get.....
5 full stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Echoes in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<h2><strong>Three words: Hackers. Go. Missing.</strong></h2>
I'm not talking baby hackers who have no clue what they're doing and slipped up badly I'm talking top of the ladder ones.
Mallory Park is a hacker who moderates The Forum, a message board where hackers are anonymous, crack down on the dirty secrets of companies, and leak them out to the world anonymously. She's extremely motivated and passionate about her work, and likes to have control she's independent, wants to do her own thing, and based on her background, it definitely fits her character. Mallory, however...
Just comes out cold. Apathetic. Indifferent. She doesn't really have any clue what to do with herself because hacking IS who she is. She is also extremely brilliant (I would love to have her math skills right now in Calculus...), hates being touched (much like me...), and is as awkward as David 1 and David 2 (one of them is a <a title="The Sorcerer's Apprentice review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/movie-review-the-sorcerers-apprentice"; target="_blank" rel="noopener tag">Physics major</a> and the other is <a title="Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-steelheart-by-brandon-sanderson"; target="_blank" rel="noopener tag">terrible with metaphors</a>).
While I like Mallory, I think Mallory came more out of her shell when she meets Warden. Warden is very cheery, optimistic, and hilarious he's really just one of those adorable nerds who would love to squish hug. And despite the fact he is introduced as Mallory's online friend from The Forum, I can hear his voice and see his facial expressions leaping off the screen at Mallory.
There's so much anticipation and danger (and Warden's humor laced throughout) as Mallory gets closer to finding out about the missing hackers, but in the long run, <em>Echoes</em> really just teaches about online safety in a similar, yet different way compared to other books related to online safety.
But you should really just read it for Warden's humor.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-echoes-by-laura-tisda/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
<h2><strong>Three words: Hackers. Go. Missing.</strong></h2>
I'm not talking baby hackers who have no clue what they're doing and slipped up badly I'm talking top of the ladder ones.
Mallory Park is a hacker who moderates The Forum, a message board where hackers are anonymous, crack down on the dirty secrets of companies, and leak them out to the world anonymously. She's extremely motivated and passionate about her work, and likes to have control she's independent, wants to do her own thing, and based on her background, it definitely fits her character. Mallory, however...
Just comes out cold. Apathetic. Indifferent. She doesn't really have any clue what to do with herself because hacking IS who she is. She is also extremely brilliant (I would love to have her math skills right now in Calculus...), hates being touched (much like me...), and is as awkward as David 1 and David 2 (one of them is a <a title="The Sorcerer's Apprentice review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/movie-review-the-sorcerers-apprentice"; target="_blank" rel="noopener tag">Physics major</a> and the other is <a title="Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson review" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-steelheart-by-brandon-sanderson"; target="_blank" rel="noopener tag">terrible with metaphors</a>).
While I like Mallory, I think Mallory came more out of her shell when she meets Warden. Warden is very cheery, optimistic, and hilarious he's really just one of those adorable nerds who would love to squish hug. And despite the fact he is introduced as Mallory's online friend from The Forum, I can hear his voice and see his facial expressions leaping off the screen at Mallory.
There's so much anticipation and danger (and Warden's humor laced throughout) as Mallory gets closer to finding out about the missing hackers, but in the long run, <em>Echoes</em> really just teaches about online safety in a similar, yet different way compared to other books related to online safety.
But you should really just read it for Warden's humor.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-echoes-by-laura-tisda/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
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