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ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Searcher in Books
Nov 15, 2020
The Searcher is, much like the Wych Elm, a slow burner. This is always a positive where I’m concerned. It gave me the opportunity to look around the Irish village of Ardnekalty, get to know the inhabitants, what the countryside and the landscape looked like (beautiful, by the way)and above all, to build a full picture of Cal Hooper and Trey.
As in most small villages, word of a new, exotic inhabitant spreads fast, and this is why Trey turns up on Cal’s doorstep. He wants Cal to help him find his older brother, Brendan, who has disappeared. The local police seem to be completely disinterested - mainly due to the family’s reputation. It seems to be no surprise to people that Trey’s 19 year old brother would want to leave the small village. With the family’s reputation being that of ‘wasters’ who live on the poverty line (or probably below it), it strikes people as unremarkable that he would leave to try and make his life better elsewhere. But Trey doesn’t believe this. He believes that he has been kidnapped, and he wants Cal to find him. The problem is that Cal just doesn’t want to get involved. He has left the Chicago police force because of the frustration he feels at not making a difference. And this decency is what ends up drawing him in to helping Trey.
It did surprise me that Cal becomes involved with Trey, and he clearly realises that such a relationship could be seen as problematic. He makes the effort to keep Trey’s presence a secret from his nosy neighbour, Mart. The fact that everyone seemed to know everyone else’s business did create a claustrophobic atmosphere, almost a touch of horror especially as the book progresses.
This also touches on some of the current issues in the USA surrounding policing and BLM protests, so it does make this a very current novel. I have to say though, that the end of the book came as a complete surprise to me, and left me feeling ultimately disappointed in the characters. It didn’t make me like the book any less though!
Many thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for my copy of this book to read and review.
As in most small villages, word of a new, exotic inhabitant spreads fast, and this is why Trey turns up on Cal’s doorstep. He wants Cal to help him find his older brother, Brendan, who has disappeared. The local police seem to be completely disinterested - mainly due to the family’s reputation. It seems to be no surprise to people that Trey’s 19 year old brother would want to leave the small village. With the family’s reputation being that of ‘wasters’ who live on the poverty line (or probably below it), it strikes people as unremarkable that he would leave to try and make his life better elsewhere. But Trey doesn’t believe this. He believes that he has been kidnapped, and he wants Cal to find him. The problem is that Cal just doesn’t want to get involved. He has left the Chicago police force because of the frustration he feels at not making a difference. And this decency is what ends up drawing him in to helping Trey.
It did surprise me that Cal becomes involved with Trey, and he clearly realises that such a relationship could be seen as problematic. He makes the effort to keep Trey’s presence a secret from his nosy neighbour, Mart. The fact that everyone seemed to know everyone else’s business did create a claustrophobic atmosphere, almost a touch of horror especially as the book progresses.
This also touches on some of the current issues in the USA surrounding policing and BLM protests, so it does make this a very current novel. I have to say though, that the end of the book came as a complete surprise to me, and left me feeling ultimately disappointed in the characters. It didn’t make me like the book any less though!
Many thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for my copy of this book to read and review.
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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Ferns Decision ( Sisters of Hex Fern book 1) in Books
Feb 6, 2022
22 of 230
Kindle
Ferns Decision ( sisters of Hex Fern book 1)
By Bea Paige
Death is a lonely place, silent, or so everyone thinks... Fern is no stranger to death, or the singing that accompanies it. She has always known when a person is about to die, for the singing foretells it. Her mother passed it off as an oddity never to be discussed, so she learned to tune out the voices until they disappeared for good. Or so she thought. Then one day, as she fights to bring back a dying baby in the hospital where she works, Fern hears the familiar melody once more. Except this time the voice belongs to a man with ice-blue eyes and black angel wings. As the baby takes its final breath, the angel sings his last note. For this isn't an angel who gives life, it is one that takes it. One year has passed since that encounter, and just when Fern is beginning to believe it had all been an illusion, the angel returns, and this time he's not alone. For now there are three Angels of Death and Fern appears to be their next victim.Fern's Decision is the first book of Fern's trilogy and continues the Sisters of Hex story. Although this is the start of a standalone trilogy, to get a full picture of the overarching storyline you might wish to read Accacia's trilogy first.***TRIGGER WARNING - This book contains content that some may find triggering***
I loved the first set of Hex sister books so I was looking forward to this set. I wasn’t disappointed in the first book at all I really enjoyed it although the first few chapters were extremely hard to get through with it being so close to my own heart of losing my own baby a few time I cried thinking I need to push through. It was well handled and I’m glad I pushed through a good start to the new trilogy and sister. I would recommend but with a caution of possible trigger warning if you have lost a baby.
Kindle
Ferns Decision ( sisters of Hex Fern book 1)
By Bea Paige
Death is a lonely place, silent, or so everyone thinks... Fern is no stranger to death, or the singing that accompanies it. She has always known when a person is about to die, for the singing foretells it. Her mother passed it off as an oddity never to be discussed, so she learned to tune out the voices until they disappeared for good. Or so she thought. Then one day, as she fights to bring back a dying baby in the hospital where she works, Fern hears the familiar melody once more. Except this time the voice belongs to a man with ice-blue eyes and black angel wings. As the baby takes its final breath, the angel sings his last note. For this isn't an angel who gives life, it is one that takes it. One year has passed since that encounter, and just when Fern is beginning to believe it had all been an illusion, the angel returns, and this time he's not alone. For now there are three Angels of Death and Fern appears to be their next victim.Fern's Decision is the first book of Fern's trilogy and continues the Sisters of Hex story. Although this is the start of a standalone trilogy, to get a full picture of the overarching storyline you might wish to read Accacia's trilogy first.***TRIGGER WARNING - This book contains content that some may find triggering***
I loved the first set of Hex sister books so I was looking forward to this set. I wasn’t disappointed in the first book at all I really enjoyed it although the first few chapters were extremely hard to get through with it being so close to my own heart of losing my own baby a few time I cried thinking I need to push through. It was well handled and I’m glad I pushed through a good start to the new trilogy and sister. I would recommend but with a caution of possible trigger warning if you have lost a baby.
Debbiereadsbook (1801 KP) rated Donovan’s Men (Bonded by Love #3) in Books
Aug 10, 2026
the strongest form when you least expect them.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the third book in the Bonded By Love trilogy, but it can be read as a stand alone. I do, however, recommend you read books 1, Caressa's Homecoming, and book 2, Cole's Reckoning, before this one. It will give you a better picture of Cole and Donovan's friendship and just how far they will go for each other.
After Donovan is injured when Cole got shot, he comes into contact with Tyson, a detective and Hamish, a psychologist. Boundaries are hard for Tyson and Hamish, but Donovna keeps pushing. When both Tyson and Hamish face disciplinary action for being with Donovan, will they see it out, or let each other go?
What I liked about this one, was the slow burn. Yes, Donovan wanted things to move much faster but professional boundaries were adhered to. Nothing happened between Donovan and Tyson, or Donovan and Hamish until AFTER their relationship was disclosed. Tyson and Hamish were a different kettle of fish!
I liked there was a clear difference in their leanings: Donovan is a Dom, Hamish a sub and Tyson, a switch. I liked that both Hamish and Tyson were willing to explore the BDSM scene but only with all three of them present, and that Donovan would walk away from the lifestyle entirely, if neither of them wanted it.
I was expecting more of the BDSM smexy stuff, given how Donovan comes across in the other two books, but it is limited to one scene in Cole's basement. There are plenty other smexy times though, once they are all in.
I was, again, feeling I missed some emotional connection. All three men have some baggage, but there was no clue as to them until the point when it was decided to talk about them, and I'm still not fully sure I understood it all.
Still, I enjoyed all three books, and do recommend them.
4 stars for this book and 4 across the whole trilogy.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the third book in the Bonded By Love trilogy, but it can be read as a stand alone. I do, however, recommend you read books 1, Caressa's Homecoming, and book 2, Cole's Reckoning, before this one. It will give you a better picture of Cole and Donovan's friendship and just how far they will go for each other.
After Donovan is injured when Cole got shot, he comes into contact with Tyson, a detective and Hamish, a psychologist. Boundaries are hard for Tyson and Hamish, but Donovna keeps pushing. When both Tyson and Hamish face disciplinary action for being with Donovan, will they see it out, or let each other go?
What I liked about this one, was the slow burn. Yes, Donovan wanted things to move much faster but professional boundaries were adhered to. Nothing happened between Donovan and Tyson, or Donovan and Hamish until AFTER their relationship was disclosed. Tyson and Hamish were a different kettle of fish!
I liked there was a clear difference in their leanings: Donovan is a Dom, Hamish a sub and Tyson, a switch. I liked that both Hamish and Tyson were willing to explore the BDSM scene but only with all three of them present, and that Donovan would walk away from the lifestyle entirely, if neither of them wanted it.
I was expecting more of the BDSM smexy stuff, given how Donovan comes across in the other two books, but it is limited to one scene in Cole's basement. There are plenty other smexy times though, once they are all in.
I was, again, feeling I missed some emotional connection. All three men have some baggage, but there was no clue as to them until the point when it was decided to talk about them, and I'm still not fully sure I understood it all.
Still, I enjoyed all three books, and do recommend them.
4 stars for this book and 4 across the whole trilogy.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated Destined: Lured Into The Shadow (The Ambrosia Trilogy #1) in Books
Oct 1, 2018
MoMo’s Book Diary enjoyed "Destined" and gladly recommends this as a 4 star read. If you enjoyed the Twilight saga you will love The Ambrosia Trilogy!
MoMo Book Diary Review:
Beatrice Sand's debut novel "Destined" is the first part of The Ambrosia Trilogy. It is a truly awesome suspense read which kept me up until the early hours.
The author introduces the characters with emotion and describes each scene perfectly. There is a continuous thread throughout the book luring you into the mystery. You know there is so much unspoken but its not until around half-way that you start to get the full picture and I found my mind sparking off in different directions at what could happen next. I laughed, I cried, I sat up until the early hours trying to breathe with Laurel as she finds her way...
This sexy and mysterious tale focuses on 17 year old Laurel who has recently moved back to Vancouver Island where her father, Martin, owns his own restaurant to live with him and his wife, Mia and her daughter, Renee, who is also 17. Laurel and Renee could not be any more different and Laurel feels that Mia is constantly expecting her to morph into Renee - which she will certainly not be doing! Laurel is hoping to build a relationship with her father but it is difficult finding time to get to know each other.
I enjoyed that the author tells the story from Laurel's perspective in the main, with a few chapters from Sam, where we get insight into his world. Sam is struggling with leading the life he knows is set out before him and these new feelings that he has for Laurel. The more he stays away the more he is drawn to be there when she finds herself in trouble.
There is an undeniable attraction between Laurel and Sam, which the author beautifully introduces at their first meeting, and builds each time they meet. They share some sensual scenes although there is nothing too "adult" in nature in this teenage/ young adult novel. I will not give any more of the story away but it is not a straightforward new adult romance.
This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the mystery of a sexy, dangerous story and although it is not a thriller it is certainly a thrilling read. I can't wait to read the second book, Sacrifice, which is due for release in 2017 with the third and final part, Ambrosia, following on from that.
I would like to thank the author, Beatrice Sand, for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its release date.
MoMo Book Diary Review:
Beatrice Sand's debut novel "Destined" is the first part of The Ambrosia Trilogy. It is a truly awesome suspense read which kept me up until the early hours.
The author introduces the characters with emotion and describes each scene perfectly. There is a continuous thread throughout the book luring you into the mystery. You know there is so much unspoken but its not until around half-way that you start to get the full picture and I found my mind sparking off in different directions at what could happen next. I laughed, I cried, I sat up until the early hours trying to breathe with Laurel as she finds her way...
This sexy and mysterious tale focuses on 17 year old Laurel who has recently moved back to Vancouver Island where her father, Martin, owns his own restaurant to live with him and his wife, Mia and her daughter, Renee, who is also 17. Laurel and Renee could not be any more different and Laurel feels that Mia is constantly expecting her to morph into Renee - which she will certainly not be doing! Laurel is hoping to build a relationship with her father but it is difficult finding time to get to know each other.
I enjoyed that the author tells the story from Laurel's perspective in the main, with a few chapters from Sam, where we get insight into his world. Sam is struggling with leading the life he knows is set out before him and these new feelings that he has for Laurel. The more he stays away the more he is drawn to be there when she finds herself in trouble.
There is an undeniable attraction between Laurel and Sam, which the author beautifully introduces at their first meeting, and builds each time they meet. They share some sensual scenes although there is nothing too "adult" in nature in this teenage/ young adult novel. I will not give any more of the story away but it is not a straightforward new adult romance.
This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys the mystery of a sexy, dangerous story and although it is not a thriller it is certainly a thrilling read. I can't wait to read the second book, Sacrifice, which is due for release in 2017 with the third and final part, Ambrosia, following on from that.
I would like to thank the author, Beatrice Sand, for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to its release date.
War Horse
Michael Morpurgo and Francois Place
9.1
Rate It
Book
Before the Steven Spielberg film, before the National Theatre production, there was the classic...
Debbiereadsbook (1801 KP) rated To Save a Scroundrels' Soul (Regency Rossingley #4) in Books
Sep 3, 2026
only Mickey gets a say!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Regency Rossingley series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I do, on a personal point, recommend you read the other books first. It will give you a better picture of this group of men and how they fit into the world of their time. Rather good, the lot of them!
Mickey is Tommy's cousin (from book 2, madly in love with the current Duke of Ashington) He has a similar past to Tommy. When the Duke discovers some jewelry thought lost in the hands of a adversary, it's all hand son deck to get them back. But someone else is after something from that safe, a Frenchman, Valentin Beauregard. Mickey is tasked with getting him on side, keeping an eye on him and generally getting him to not steal the jewels. Falling in love was never on the cards.
I love this series, overall, I really do. One teeny tiny niggle with this one, and I'll come back to that!
I loved how everything crept up on Mickey. Valentin was not what he expected. The chemistry between them was powerful from the start and neither could resist, even though they both knew the other was keeping secrets.
I got who Valentin was, as soon as he told Mickey about his (un-named) father and what happened to him. The clues were there, and for once I put them together correctly, and in time!
It's not explicit. The passion and growing love is there, but the smexy times are well written to portray the words and feelings of men in this time.
My niggle? Only Mickey has a say. Now, I checked my reviews for the other books, and I don't say either way but they are tagged as multi person POV, so I will assume that both main characters get a say in those books. Why not this one? I don't know. Maybe because of the secrets Valentin is keeping, I'm not sure. But had he a say, this would be that 5 star read, just like books 2 and 3.
It was lovely that ALL the main characters from previous books take part: Lando (Rossingley) and Kit from book 1, Tommy and Benedict from book 2 and Rollo and Fitzsimmons from book 3. I hope that Mickey and Valentin pop up in future books. Will there be any more? I dunno, but I hope to be able to read them!
Only because Mickey gets a say and Valentin doesn't. . .
4 very good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Regency Rossingley series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I do, on a personal point, recommend you read the other books first. It will give you a better picture of this group of men and how they fit into the world of their time. Rather good, the lot of them!
Mickey is Tommy's cousin (from book 2, madly in love with the current Duke of Ashington) He has a similar past to Tommy. When the Duke discovers some jewelry thought lost in the hands of a adversary, it's all hand son deck to get them back. But someone else is after something from that safe, a Frenchman, Valentin Beauregard. Mickey is tasked with getting him on side, keeping an eye on him and generally getting him to not steal the jewels. Falling in love was never on the cards.
I love this series, overall, I really do. One teeny tiny niggle with this one, and I'll come back to that!
I loved how everything crept up on Mickey. Valentin was not what he expected. The chemistry between them was powerful from the start and neither could resist, even though they both knew the other was keeping secrets.
I got who Valentin was, as soon as he told Mickey about his (un-named) father and what happened to him. The clues were there, and for once I put them together correctly, and in time!
It's not explicit. The passion and growing love is there, but the smexy times are well written to portray the words and feelings of men in this time.
My niggle? Only Mickey has a say. Now, I checked my reviews for the other books, and I don't say either way but they are tagged as multi person POV, so I will assume that both main characters get a say in those books. Why not this one? I don't know. Maybe because of the secrets Valentin is keeping, I'm not sure. But had he a say, this would be that 5 star read, just like books 2 and 3.
It was lovely that ALL the main characters from previous books take part: Lando (Rossingley) and Kit from book 1, Tommy and Benedict from book 2 and Rollo and Fitzsimmons from book 3. I hope that Mickey and Valentin pop up in future books. Will there be any more? I dunno, but I hope to be able to read them!
Only because Mickey gets a say and Valentin doesn't. . .
4 very good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere