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Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park
Katherine Faulkner | 2021 | Contemporary, Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This seemed to be the book that everyone was reading a few weeks ago, and just as I was building myself up to preorder it, it popped up on The Pigeonhole - and Iโ€™m so glad that it did.
This has some of my favourite ingredients in a thriller:
๐Ÿ“šUnlikeable characters
๐Ÿ“šIโ€™m not quite sure whatโ€™s going on
๐Ÿ“šCharacters who who donโ€™t know whatโ€™s going on either
๐Ÿ“šMultiple (3) viewpoints, including one thatโ€™s decidedly dodgy
๐Ÿ“šA big secret that the reader can see coming - but what is it?!
๐Ÿ“šA heart stopping moment of revelation!!
I felt sorry for Helen - she has a high risk pregnancy, is stuck at home on a building site, and makes friends with a woman (Rachel) who wonโ€™t leave her alone! Rachel befriends Helen at her antenatal class, when Helenโ€™s brother Rory, and his wife Serena fail to turn up. Rachel is pregnant, yet drinks, smokes, drinks caffeine and eats all the food youโ€™re told not to eat. Helen is very insecure, lacks in self-confidence and canโ€™t tell Rachel that she doesnโ€™t want to see her.

In fact as the story progresses, Helenโ€™s fears and confusion are really well described. I could feel the dreamlike quality of Helenโ€™s consciousness towards the middle and end of the book - she became more confused.

On the other hand, her brother Rory and his wife Serena, who are also expecting their first baby, seem very laid back. Helen reads far more into the friendship with Serena than Serena does. Serena is dismissive and quite cold.

I didnโ€™t see the end coming, and I loved the slow burn leading up to the big reveal. It gave me enough time to properly despise a number of the characters, realise that Helenโ€™s friend KAte was one of the best people in this circle, and that money canโ€™t always buy you what you want.

This is a book that deserved the hype - itโ€™s well worth a read!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Bloomsbury/ Raven Books
  
Disorder (Maryland) (2015)
Disorder (Maryland) (2015)
2015 | Thriller
"๐˜'๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ข ๐˜จ๐˜ถ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ
๐˜Š๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ข ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ?
๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ด, ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ต๐˜ด, ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜บ
๐˜'๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ต, ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ
๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ค๐˜ฌ ๐˜ข๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜บ"

- "Disorder", Joy Division 1979

Sort of like if ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜Ž๐˜ถ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ต existed in the same universe as ๐˜‹๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ. Not too much you haven't seen before but a total technical marvel - very few times before has a camera been *this* intrinsically linked to a character's psyche: constantly shifting focus, shifting in and out of reality, overanalyzing every little minutia to the point of near blinding anxiety - if it isn't a threat yet it'll be hyperfocused on until it becomes one, real or not. The sort of moviemaking that makes you second guess everything you just saw right through to its bone-chilling ending. That being said it does strain in the home stretch but not only is this sort of stylish, synthy slow burn thriller inherently fun to me - but it says something interesting when the only time this settles down is during the kind of dangerous situation this character is scrambling to find, only in moments of repose do things become truly jangled - where "the calm before the storm" *is* the storm, and vice-versa. Schoenaerts is incredible in it, the type of towering, volatile performance that makes you break a sweat. Every time this guy moves suddenly it about makes my heart stop and when he finally cracks a genuine smile an hour+ in it's a momentous occasion. At first you may think (not so unjustifiably given Hollywood's history with PTSD) that the title is a reductive swipe at his affliction, but as the movie progresses you realize it signifies his commanding search for some semblance of order in his life. Far from flawless but for the most part precisely what I was hoping for out of it.
  
The Captain and the Theatrical
The Captain and the Theatrical
Catherine Curzon | 2019 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
very enjoyable read
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.

Ambrose Pendleton is a hero and returns home from war to his fatherโ€™s meddling into his love life. Or lack thereof. Pen now faces an arranged marriage his father has brokered as part of a business deal. To get out of this marriage, Pen needs a fiancรฉe, and who better than his long-time friend and actor, Orsini, who has a leading lady who might just fit the bill. But Pen has long held feelings for Orsini, feelings a man should not have for another. Then Orsini surprises him and throws his own feelings at Pen. Now they just need to get rid of the dreadful arranged marriage and they can be together.

For the most part, I did enjoy this. It was a little bit different and different is always good in my book, but something didnโ€™t quite work for me, and I cannot figure out what. And I hate that I canโ€™t!

Pen and Orsini are old friends, and Pen has crushed on Orsini for a long time. He did not know that feeling was the same for Orsini, though. With Orsini pretending to be Penโ€™s new bride, the pair get close, far closer than they should. I loved how it really was a bit of a slow burn for these two. Itโ€™s not overly explicit, but it doesnโ€™t need to be for these two.

Both Pen and Orsini have a say, and I didnโ€™t think that was going to be the case for a while, so I am glad they both were given a voice.

There was a little twist, with the missing jewels, that I did not see coming, and I thought Penโ€™s mother might have given the game away a time or two. I think she had them sussed, I really do!

An enjoyable way to spend and lazy Sunday evening.

3.5 stars (rounded up to four the Amazon and Goodreads)

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
Perfect Melody Silenced (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
PERFECT MELODY SILENCED is the second book in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from book one so I would definitely recommend you read that one first. Plus, it was a 5-star read so why miss out?

Markus is back in town and wanting to catch up with Bella. Only, she's not at the docks to meet him. So he tracks her down, because of course he does, and finds out she has been punished for helping him. This immediately puts him into protective mode. Lunah is Little Miss Twinkle Toes, dancing around as she is so happy to be back with Bella. And Bella? Well, the first thing she does is lay a big smacker on Markus' lips, so that gives you an idea about how happy she is!

The mystery that these three need to solve is a good one but, I'll be honest here, I wasn't that invested in it - which pains me to say as I know how much work the author must have put into it. But it's Markus, Bella, and Lunah!!! I need them together, I really do. And it's not just because it's steamy, because we're still in slow-burn territory, but because of how well they balance each other out. The passion is there, don't get me wrong, but it's not ALL about that.

This was an outstanding book 2 and it's left me with a definite hankering for book 3. Once I have all of them, I may just binge-read the whole lot in one day. When is book 3 coming out, by the way? Asking for a friend!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY ME!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Spires in Books

Oct 28, 2021  
The Spires
The Spires
Kate Moretti | 2021 | Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Penelope Cox thinks she's put her college years behind her, when, twenty years later, her old friend Willa shows up unexpectedly on her doorstep. Willa Blaine needs help escaping her abusive husband. Penelope hasn't seen Willa since their gap year after college, when they and three other friends lived together in a converted church. Calling themselves "the Spires" they were a close-knit group, until hidden resentments and jealousies tipped over. Focused on their leader, Jack, things started to change when he brought home a girlfriend, Grace. Then tragedy struck and the group went their separate ways. Now, Willa seems the perfect guest, bringing order and happiness to the Cox household. But Penelope feels like her friend is putting her life off-balance and bringing up horrible memories: memories she'd rather leave long buried.

"Six months after they moved in, he brought home Grace and sent them all into a tailspin."

This is slow burn read--it's sluggish to start, but picks up as the story gets moving. Less thriller, more character-driven, THE SPIRES focuses on relationships more than mystery, though there is certainly plenty to figure out as the tale progresses.

The book skips back and forth between the group's gap year after college at The Church House and present day, when Penelope's friend Willa shows up without warning. The two haven't seen each other since they scattered after The Church House tragedy. We know something bad happened at The Church House, but it takes a while (basically the whole book) to get it all figured out. There is a lot of drama and angst as this all happens. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but there are plenty of motives and secrets tossed in along the way.

I didn't find THE SPIRES as thrilling as some of Moretti's other books. Still, it became more interesting and suspenseful as I read, and there are definitely some good twists. This is an especially good read for those who like a good psychological mystery. 3.5 stars.
  
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Merissa (13123 KP) rated Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3) in Books

May 17, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)  
Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3)
Intelligence Check (Dungeons and Dating #3)
Katherine McIntyre | 2022 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
INTELLIGENCE CHECK is the third book in the Dungeons and Dating series, and it's time for Mase and Hunter. I was 'slightly' excited at the thought of this book and, let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Mase is a perfect little ray of sunshine... on the outside. Inside, he is dealing with the loss of his twin sister, all the feelings that encompasses, plus normal things like trying to finish school and pay all his bills. Hunter, on the other hand, keeps himself to himself. He doesn't ask much of anyone, knowing all too well the feeling of being let down.

These two! Oh, my days. I love them so much. Two perfect-for-each-other puzzle pieces that slot together with ease. Well, not too much ease, because there's the whole 'issues from the past' to contend with, but you get my meaning. They do have their issues to deal with but they do the mature thing, in that they give each other space when needed, no matter how painful it may be, and communicate with each other.

It's a slow-burn romance in that Hunter isn't prepared to take advantage of Mason when he's drunk. Mason thinks he's been rejected by Hunter, and then Hunter thinks the same when Mason doesn't mention it again. Remember I said they communicated? Yeah, well, maybe not so much to begin with! ๐Ÿ˜†

This was a fantastic addition to the series that also let me catch up with Roxie and Mel, plus Cal and Julian. Now, I just need to know what's going on with Kelly! A brilliant book that I have no hesitation in highly recommending!!!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 12, 2022
  
Taming of a Wolf (Viking Wolves #2)
Taming of a Wolf (Viking Wolves #2)
CJ Ravenna | 2025 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bites differently to book 1 but no less powerfully!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 2 in the Viking Wolves series, and I do recommend you read book 1, Heart of a Wolf before this one. It will give you a better picture of what Anders does to warrant his exiling. You do get a recap here, but I think you need it from Kieran's point of view to get the full effect.And, cos I bloody said so!

I loved book 1, I really did. And I loved this one too. It doesn't bite the same way as book 1, but it's bite is different and just as powerful!

While book 1 is a slow burn, this is full on INSTA for Anders and Jamie and I loved the marked differences in the two tales. I'm gonna be doing a lot of comparisons but I will try to keep them to a minimum!

What I particularly loved, and this probably makes me a bit weird, was the pain these two carried. Anders, for what he did, what he thought he was doing for the better of the pack, but deep down?? He was hurting just as much as Wulfric was at the death of his parents. But he wasn't any better able to stop that than Wulfric was. And Jamie, at the death of HIS parents, that he believes was his fault. I cried when they both told the other their deepest pain.

I loved that Anders was able to get some sort of closure with his brothers. I expect there is more pain to come from the other brothers though, about their parents death.

Loved the introduction of Gunnar's mate, and the revelation that Lyall's is still alive. I hope I get a chance to read their books!

Loving this series, and I highly recommend them!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Booker's Bliss (Divergent Omegaverse #3)
Booker's Bliss (Divergent Omegaverse #3)
JP Sayle | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
BOOKER'S BLISS is the third story in the Divergent Omegaverse series, and for part of the story, we get the same events that happened in Taylin's Temptation. This doesn't happen for long, but just so you're aware.

Frey is the flirty fox, the one everyone thinks is the Omega version of Jupiter. Booker is the big bear who growls all the time. What would these two have in common? Well, a lot of things, as it happens. Not only that, but there's also that thing called attraction, although neither of them will admit to it...

These two are sweet, and both have their own baggage. Booker helps Frey work through his trauma, but deals with his own by himself. Well, with Derick by his side. Due to said trauma, this is more of a slow burn than other books by this author, but it fits. And while I liked that they didn't do anything until Frey's heat, I also sort of wish they had. So Booker would have known that it was just heat madness talking. And Frey, too, now I'm thinking about it. That's shown afterwards, but yeah, I'd have liked to have seen a bit more beforehand.

I will give a Kleenex warning, though. If you've read Taylin's Temptation, you'll remember the incredibly sad circumstances of a certain factory. Well, not only do we revisit that particular moment, but we also go past it, with some tragic and happy events. My eyes were leaking, but as Frey says, blame it on the hormones.

I loved returning to this world and look forward to seeing them on the ranch for the next book, which is Silas and Ziggy's.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 12, 2025