Search
Search results

Hazel (2934 KP) rated Hope to Die (DI Adam Fawley #6) in Books
Aug 14, 2022
I have just finished the previous book in this series, The Whole Truth, and dived into this the 6th outing for DI Fawley and his team and, let me tell you, what a treat it is.
I have said it before and I will say it again, what an absolute cracker of a book this is and, once again, an excellent addition to this excellent series. Please be reassured that you don't have to have read the others as this works well as a standalone however, I recommend you do ... you won't be disappointed.
DI Fawley and his team are called after the violent death of an unidentified young man shot dead in an isolated farmhouse in an apparent burglary but things just don't add up and so begins a complex, challenging and thrilling investigation which uncovers secrets and lies and so, so much more.
Cara Hunter uses, very cleverly, other media to provide different perspectives to the story including Netflix and voicemail transcripts. This helps the story to flow and provides another element and makes it feel current and relevant. The only thing that I have a small quibble about is that some of this didn't work very well on my Kindle as it's quite small writing and I found myself constantly adjusting the font size but that may have been because I received an advance copy so I felt it was a small price to pay for what is an excellent addition to the way of telling the story.
Highly recommended to lovers of police procedurals with twists and turns that keep you guessing ... roll on number 7!
Many thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for enabling me to read Hope to Die and share my thoughts.
I have said it before and I will say it again, what an absolute cracker of a book this is and, once again, an excellent addition to this excellent series. Please be reassured that you don't have to have read the others as this works well as a standalone however, I recommend you do ... you won't be disappointed.
DI Fawley and his team are called after the violent death of an unidentified young man shot dead in an isolated farmhouse in an apparent burglary but things just don't add up and so begins a complex, challenging and thrilling investigation which uncovers secrets and lies and so, so much more.
Cara Hunter uses, very cleverly, other media to provide different perspectives to the story including Netflix and voicemail transcripts. This helps the story to flow and provides another element and makes it feel current and relevant. The only thing that I have a small quibble about is that some of this didn't work very well on my Kindle as it's quite small writing and I found myself constantly adjusting the font size but that may have been because I received an advance copy so I felt it was a small price to pay for what is an excellent addition to the way of telling the story.
Highly recommended to lovers of police procedurals with twists and turns that keep you guessing ... roll on number 7!
Many thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for enabling me to read Hope to Die and share my thoughts.

Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Aug 14, 2022

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Path of Darkness and Runes ( The Fallows book 1) in Books
Aug 27, 2022
154 of 230
Kindle
A Path of Darkness and Runes ( The Fallows book 1)
By Marnie L. Norton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Fallow, a hallowed place and sanctuary for the beasts and creatures of the Continent, has been desecrated. The balance between the human and magical world has been ruptured.
Rhona is haunted by memories and revolts against the natures and traditions to which she has been born into. Marrying her betrothed, Elias, being one of them. She is part of a travellers community known as the 'Unwanted'.
When a night time raid, causes her brethren to flee across the Continent in search of safer dwellings; Rhona, along with her brother, Roman, and Elias, cross paths creatures of the Fallow - which sets them on a course of self discovery, redemption and magic.
Rhona must fight the dark forces at work from the Fallow, as well as battle the dark memories which threaten to break her at every turn. Now a pawn in a potential war between the magical folk and humans, Rhona must look past her own trauma to work at hunting the Lycan. Rhona must now put her life on the line to redeem her soul in a life debt against the Trinity, the Maiden, Mother and Crone.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much a I loved this book. One of the easiest 5⭐️ reads of the year. Absolutely brilliant debut novel. I love the characters, the story and the world building. It’s full of creatures and magic and beautifully written. I found this author on TikTok and just loved her content I’m so glad I did. I can not wait for book 2 as I had so many emotions running by the end of this one.
Kindle
A Path of Darkness and Runes ( The Fallows book 1)
By Marnie L. Norton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Fallow, a hallowed place and sanctuary for the beasts and creatures of the Continent, has been desecrated. The balance between the human and magical world has been ruptured.
Rhona is haunted by memories and revolts against the natures and traditions to which she has been born into. Marrying her betrothed, Elias, being one of them. She is part of a travellers community known as the 'Unwanted'.
When a night time raid, causes her brethren to flee across the Continent in search of safer dwellings; Rhona, along with her brother, Roman, and Elias, cross paths creatures of the Fallow - which sets them on a course of self discovery, redemption and magic.
Rhona must fight the dark forces at work from the Fallow, as well as battle the dark memories which threaten to break her at every turn. Now a pawn in a potential war between the magical folk and humans, Rhona must look past her own trauma to work at hunting the Lycan. Rhona must now put her life on the line to redeem her soul in a life debt against the Trinity, the Maiden, Mother and Crone.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much a I loved this book. One of the easiest 5⭐️ reads of the year. Absolutely brilliant debut novel. I love the characters, the story and the world building. It’s full of creatures and magic and beautifully written. I found this author on TikTok and just loved her content I’m so glad I did. I can not wait for book 2 as I had so many emotions running by the end of this one.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Scent of Dragon’s Blood ( The Tattered Realm book 1) in Books
Sep 7, 2022
161 of 230
Kindle
The Scent of Dragon’s Blood ( The Tatteted Realm book 1)
By Kova Killian
⭐️⭐️
When the Knight in shining armor needs saving, you send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
"It's tragic how something so beautiful has been twisted into something so fearful."
Cree has been on the run from the Dread behemoth King since she was a child for crimes her mother committed.
Crimes. . .
Her mother didn’t mean to.
Cree never thought she would fall for one of the knights that stalk her. . . let alone the captain that protects the king. But she did.
And now he’s cursed.
To keep them both safe, she hides in the realm behind The Mirror.
Humans are strange creatures, but in her short year in their realm, they have time and time again shown their kindness.
Too bad the Hunter finds her. And now her human friend, who has no idea how to protect herself, is in danger of the King and his knights.
At least she found a counter curse for her knight. . . maybe.
So what do you do when the knight in shining armor needs saving? You send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
This book holds so much potential! The premise was good, the characters were good and it really is something I’d like to see developed. But the whole thing was so rushed you just fumbled through each chapter wondering what the hell. I just couldn’t push past how rushed it was which is such a shame. It also left a lot to guess work to I mean a 40ft Wolf??? Was that her sarcasm?? Or maybe it’s really late and I should sleep!
Kindle
The Scent of Dragon’s Blood ( The Tatteted Realm book 1)
By Kova Killian
⭐️⭐️
When the Knight in shining armor needs saving, you send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
"It's tragic how something so beautiful has been twisted into something so fearful."
Cree has been on the run from the Dread behemoth King since she was a child for crimes her mother committed.
Crimes. . .
Her mother didn’t mean to.
Cree never thought she would fall for one of the knights that stalk her. . . let alone the captain that protects the king. But she did.
And now he’s cursed.
To keep them both safe, she hides in the realm behind The Mirror.
Humans are strange creatures, but in her short year in their realm, they have time and time again shown their kindness.
Too bad the Hunter finds her. And now her human friend, who has no idea how to protect herself, is in danger of the King and his knights.
At least she found a counter curse for her knight. . . maybe.
So what do you do when the knight in shining armor needs saving? You send in his hybrid monster girlfriend. . . and her squishy human friend to save the day.
This book holds so much potential! The premise was good, the characters were good and it really is something I’d like to see developed. But the whole thing was so rushed you just fumbled through each chapter wondering what the hell. I just couldn’t push past how rushed it was which is such a shame. It also left a lot to guess work to I mean a 40ft Wolf??? Was that her sarcasm?? Or maybe it’s really late and I should sleep!

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3) in Books
Dec 31, 2022
226 of 230
Kindle
Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!
Newly indoctrinated witch, Defiance Dayne, discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially if one is a charmling, one of only three in the world, with enough magics to make her a target for every power-hungry warlock out there. When one of them sends a hunter to town, she knows it’s time to take her talents seriously before the hunter takes her life.
She decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not. Die. Happy or otherwise.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent for her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
This author never disappoints! I really am enjoying this series I think it’s quirky and love how it’s a middle aged normal woman as the lead. We see how finding her birth family and her magic changes her life and brings so many new people and adventures. Really worth a read as it’s easy to get into and a fun light read.
Kindle
Beguiled ( Betwixt & Between book 3)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Paranormal Women's Fiction with a bit of class, and a lot of sass, for anyone who feels like age is just a number!
Newly indoctrinated witch, Defiance Dayne, discovers there’s more to life after forty than she'd ever imagined possible. Especially if one is a charmling, one of only three in the world, with enough magics to make her a target for every power-hungry warlock out there. When one of them sends a hunter to town, she knows it’s time to take her talents seriously before the hunter takes her life.
She decides she has three things to do before she can die. Find out who killed her beloved grandmother, teach her BFF the finer points of spellcasting before she blows up the world, and figure out how serious her relationship with the Adonis living in her basement really is. If it’s heading in the direction she’s hoping for, she can die happy. Though, admittedly, she’d rather not. Die. Happy or otherwise.
None of that will matter, however, if she can’t figure out how to foil the supernatural assassin who’s been sent for her. Until then, it’s business—and hopefully romance—as usual. Now if she can only figure out how to tame a lacuna wolf.
This author never disappoints! I really am enjoying this series I think it’s quirky and love how it’s a middle aged normal woman as the lead. We see how finding her birth family and her magic changes her life and brings so many new people and adventures. Really worth a read as it’s easy to get into and a fun light read.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Find Me ( Book 1) in Books
Jan 6, 2023
🔞🔞🔞
5 of 235
Kindle
Find Me (Book 1)
By K L Jones
⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Sophie Rush leads a chaotic life, she is a curvaceous 40 something, single mother of two children, from the outside looking in she seems to have it all. The looks, the family and the successful career. Even though she is happy with her lot, she finds herself seeking the one thing that is eluding her – love.
Just when she thinks all hope is lost, Sophie sees him, Finn Holston. There was just one problem, he was an up-and-coming actor and therefore one of the most inaccessible men on the planet, that didn’t deter Sophie though, she wanted him and only him! Right there and then she decided he was the one for her and throwing all caution to the wind she decides to pursue him, in the hope that if he saw her, he would want her too.
Will Sophie get her happily ever after she’s always wanted, or is she destined to be alone forever?
Come and follow this hysterical, rollercoaster ride of a journey Sophie takes on the path to find love.
I just don’t know where to start with this! I want to go with 2.5 stars. It was one of those books that had me questioning why the hell was I reading it! It wasn’t awful it had some parts that had me laughing and some parts that I just cringed at. It’s one of those stories that we have all fantasied over meeting that movie star we are all desperately in love with and him wanting us back. So it is relatable and I want to see where it goes. I did get some serious Ness vibes you know the one from Gavin n Stacey 😂😂
5 of 235
Kindle
Find Me (Book 1)
By K L Jones
⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Sophie Rush leads a chaotic life, she is a curvaceous 40 something, single mother of two children, from the outside looking in she seems to have it all. The looks, the family and the successful career. Even though she is happy with her lot, she finds herself seeking the one thing that is eluding her – love.
Just when she thinks all hope is lost, Sophie sees him, Finn Holston. There was just one problem, he was an up-and-coming actor and therefore one of the most inaccessible men on the planet, that didn’t deter Sophie though, she wanted him and only him! Right there and then she decided he was the one for her and throwing all caution to the wind she decides to pursue him, in the hope that if he saw her, he would want her too.
Will Sophie get her happily ever after she’s always wanted, or is she destined to be alone forever?
Come and follow this hysterical, rollercoaster ride of a journey Sophie takes on the path to find love.
I just don’t know where to start with this! I want to go with 2.5 stars. It was one of those books that had me questioning why the hell was I reading it! It wasn’t awful it had some parts that had me laughing and some parts that I just cringed at. It’s one of those stories that we have all fantasied over meeting that movie star we are all desperately in love with and him wanting us back. So it is relatable and I want to see where it goes. I did get some serious Ness vibes you know the one from Gavin n Stacey 😂😂

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3) in Books
Jan 28, 2023
12 of 235
kindle
Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3)
By K.F. Breene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jessie is well on her way to learning her new life and settling in. The tough alpha, Austin, has joined her team, and she has painstakingly learned to fly. At the moment, life couldn’t get any better.
But it can get a whole lot…more irritating.
Her parents have decided to visit. They don’t know anything about magic, about Jessie’s new digs, or about the crazy crew living in and around Jessie’s house. She must do everything in her power to keep the truth away from them.
Which would be much easier without the unfelt presence lurking within Ivy House’s borders. It seems an enemy has figured out a way to magically bypass Ivy House’s defenses. Jessie is completely exposed.
The real battle, however, won’t be with the incoming force. It will be between Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mom, each intent on being the most helpful. Mr. Tom might have met his match, and he is not pleased.
Just when things were finally settling down, Jessie is in the thick of it again, and this time, the turmoil is all around her.
This series is so good! It’s so funny and quirky and a joy to read. The characters are you unique and funny you get so invested in what’s happening with them. Jessie and Austin need their head banging together really hard!! The only thing is that bloody room of killer dolls and the house finding it funny letting them put. I will now have nightmares of little killer dolls carrying knives and climbing trees 😂😂😂. Definitely a series to lighten up your reading load.
kindle
Magical Midlife Invasion ( Levelling up #3)
By K.F. Breene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jessie is well on her way to learning her new life and settling in. The tough alpha, Austin, has joined her team, and she has painstakingly learned to fly. At the moment, life couldn’t get any better.
But it can get a whole lot…more irritating.
Her parents have decided to visit. They don’t know anything about magic, about Jessie’s new digs, or about the crazy crew living in and around Jessie’s house. She must do everything in her power to keep the truth away from them.
Which would be much easier without the unfelt presence lurking within Ivy House’s borders. It seems an enemy has figured out a way to magically bypass Ivy House’s defenses. Jessie is completely exposed.
The real battle, however, won’t be with the incoming force. It will be between Mr. Tom and Jessie’s mom, each intent on being the most helpful. Mr. Tom might have met his match, and he is not pleased.
Just when things were finally settling down, Jessie is in the thick of it again, and this time, the turmoil is all around her.
This series is so good! It’s so funny and quirky and a joy to read. The characters are you unique and funny you get so invested in what’s happening with them. Jessie and Austin need their head banging together really hard!! The only thing is that bloody room of killer dolls and the house finding it funny letting them put. I will now have nightmares of little killer dolls carrying knives and climbing trees 😂😂😂. Definitely a series to lighten up your reading load.

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Frangitelli Mirror in Books
May 30, 2023
69 off 235
Kindle
The Frangitelli Mirror
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 1915 a book was stolen, a crow appeared, and fate dealt its hand.
Rose Carbonelli sees ghosts.
She doesn’t sleep.
She watches every corner, studies every shadow, listens to the screams that no one else hears.
Rose Carbonelli is terrified.
Her father hasn’t been heard from since he volunteered to go to war in 1915.
The money ran out a year ago, her mother, Edith, is fading away.
Rose needs a job to save them both, and an excuse to flee the ghosts of her home.
When Rutherford House advertises for a lady’s maid, Rose seizes the opportunity.
A wage to save her mother, food to fill her belly, and an escape from the dead that occupy the shadows…
It seems just so perfect.
But is it the escape Rose has been dreaming of?
Is there truth to the rumours about Rutherford House? What lurks within the bones of it? Why has the Lady Mary Rutherford not been seen in over a decade?
Is this the perfect escape, or is it another nightmare Rose could never have imagined?
I was so lucky and so thankful to receive this ARC!
See I had a feeling I would like it as I loved her last gothic horror but this was something else it was brilliant and I loved it.
I read this at night and it just added to the creepiness I have to keep checking my dark corners. The story was compelling it kept you wanting more. The characters were so well written you became invested especially in Rose. I just can’t praise it enough!!
Amazing!
Kindle
The Frangitelli Mirror
By G.R. Thomas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In 1915 a book was stolen, a crow appeared, and fate dealt its hand.
Rose Carbonelli sees ghosts.
She doesn’t sleep.
She watches every corner, studies every shadow, listens to the screams that no one else hears.
Rose Carbonelli is terrified.
Her father hasn’t been heard from since he volunteered to go to war in 1915.
The money ran out a year ago, her mother, Edith, is fading away.
Rose needs a job to save them both, and an excuse to flee the ghosts of her home.
When Rutherford House advertises for a lady’s maid, Rose seizes the opportunity.
A wage to save her mother, food to fill her belly, and an escape from the dead that occupy the shadows…
It seems just so perfect.
But is it the escape Rose has been dreaming of?
Is there truth to the rumours about Rutherford House? What lurks within the bones of it? Why has the Lady Mary Rutherford not been seen in over a decade?
Is this the perfect escape, or is it another nightmare Rose could never have imagined?
I was so lucky and so thankful to receive this ARC!
See I had a feeling I would like it as I loved her last gothic horror but this was something else it was brilliant and I loved it.
I read this at night and it just added to the creepiness I have to keep checking my dark corners. The story was compelling it kept you wanting more. The characters were so well written you became invested especially in Rose. I just can’t praise it enough!!
Amazing!

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Lost and the Chosen (The Lost Sentinel, #1) in Books
Jan 19, 2020 (Updated Feb 2, 2024)
21 of 220
Kindle
The Lost & the chosen ( Book 1)
By Ivy Asher
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My name is Vinna, and I’ve been keeping a lot of secrets.
You would too if you'd experienced some of the weird shit I have: red-eyed monsters chasing me, markings on my body appearing out of nowhere, a strange power that crackles colorfully over my skin from time to time, and don't get me started on the weapons I can conjure up almost out of nowhere.
Lucky for me, I have yet to meet someone whose ass I couldn't kick, inside the ring or out. I put that to the test when I run headfirst into a fight that brings all my secrets, and reality as I know it, crashing down around me.
Now, I'm looking for answers and trying to piece together what the hell is going on. Paranormal is my new way of life. It's not going to be easy, and I'm not exactly welcome.
That is, until I meet the boys, and trust me, they are anything but boyish.
I'm up against elders who think I’m too powerful, a family who views me as a threat, and something lurking in the shadows that's been coming for me my whole life.
There’s not a chance in hell I’m going down without a fight. I’m not lost anymore, and I'm about to show this world exactly what I can do.
For some reason I didn’t finish this the first time round and I don’t know why! This was really good I enjoyed every minute of it! There were a few rocky patches but I really liked it. The story , the characters and setting is just different. Definitely looking forward to more.
Kindle
The Lost & the chosen ( Book 1)
By Ivy Asher
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My name is Vinna, and I’ve been keeping a lot of secrets.
You would too if you'd experienced some of the weird shit I have: red-eyed monsters chasing me, markings on my body appearing out of nowhere, a strange power that crackles colorfully over my skin from time to time, and don't get me started on the weapons I can conjure up almost out of nowhere.
Lucky for me, I have yet to meet someone whose ass I couldn't kick, inside the ring or out. I put that to the test when I run headfirst into a fight that brings all my secrets, and reality as I know it, crashing down around me.
Now, I'm looking for answers and trying to piece together what the hell is going on. Paranormal is my new way of life. It's not going to be easy, and I'm not exactly welcome.
That is, until I meet the boys, and trust me, they are anything but boyish.
I'm up against elders who think I’m too powerful, a family who views me as a threat, and something lurking in the shadows that's been coming for me my whole life.
There’s not a chance in hell I’m going down without a fight. I’m not lost anymore, and I'm about to show this world exactly what I can do.
For some reason I didn’t finish this the first time round and I don’t know why! This was really good I enjoyed every minute of it! There were a few rocky patches but I really liked it. The story , the characters and setting is just different. Definitely looking forward to more.

Unshackle Your Mind: Rise Above & Beyond By Obinna Nwerem
Book
FREE on Kindle Unlimited!! Unshackle Your Mind shares with the reader some of the most profound...
self-help