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Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Mirrorland in Books
Jul 1, 2021
This book was not at all what I expected, but in the best way.
We start off with Cat flying back from America to Edinburgh after her twin sister El has gone missing. Cat goes back to Edinburgh to find that her twin and her husband, Ross, have moved back into El and Cat’s childhood home. Whilst there, memories of their shared past start to come back to Cat but she spends most of the time trying to work out if they’re real memories or memories of the fantasies that the girls made up and played out. The main part of the girls’ childhood was a place that they called Mirrorland, a hidden tunnel that led to a locked wash house that they used to play in most of their childhood. As more and more memories come back, Cat has to deal with the trauma that occurred during their childhood. At the same time, she also has to deal with her sister missing and presumed dead. Cat is adamant the whole time that El isn’t dead and that she would know if she was as she would “feel” it, being identical twins she could always feel her sister’s pain. Cat also has to deal with her feelings for Ross resurfacing as he was also a large part of their childhood and she has never got over her feelings for him.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, that I had a hard time telling what was real from what was fantasy and it really put me in the mindset of Cat and her struggle to separate the two. I thought for the last part of the book that I had it all figured out, but in the last couple of chapters Carole Johnstone really threw a spanner in the works and changed everything again. Whilst a little confusing at times, it was good because it did make you empathise with Cat and how she was remembering things that had happened in her past.
Thank you to Carole Johnstone and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review, I loved it!
We start off with Cat flying back from America to Edinburgh after her twin sister El has gone missing. Cat goes back to Edinburgh to find that her twin and her husband, Ross, have moved back into El and Cat’s childhood home. Whilst there, memories of their shared past start to come back to Cat but she spends most of the time trying to work out if they’re real memories or memories of the fantasies that the girls made up and played out. The main part of the girls’ childhood was a place that they called Mirrorland, a hidden tunnel that led to a locked wash house that they used to play in most of their childhood. As more and more memories come back, Cat has to deal with the trauma that occurred during their childhood. At the same time, she also has to deal with her sister missing and presumed dead. Cat is adamant the whole time that El isn’t dead and that she would know if she was as she would “feel” it, being identical twins she could always feel her sister’s pain. Cat also has to deal with her feelings for Ross resurfacing as he was also a large part of their childhood and she has never got over her feelings for him.
There were so many twists and turns in this book, that I had a hard time telling what was real from what was fantasy and it really put me in the mindset of Cat and her struggle to separate the two. I thought for the last part of the book that I had it all figured out, but in the last couple of chapters Carole Johnstone really threw a spanner in the works and changed everything again. Whilst a little confusing at times, it was good because it did make you empathise with Cat and how she was remembering things that had happened in her past.
Thank you to Carole Johnstone and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review, I loved it!
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Other Twin in Books
Sep 24, 2020
More reviews at https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com
I had a chance to read many great reviews about this book, so I was very excited to receive it from publisher. After reading it, I noticed, that even though this book is not very long, it carries a very important message, and I am very glad the author shared it with the world.
The main character in this book was Poppy, a sister of a girl who killed herself by jumping from the bridge. She has to come back to Brighton, and is trying to figure out ,why India jumped from that bridge. I really enjoyed, that this story was sister’s investigation and no detectives were participating. I found this novel really realistic and believable, just a sister trying to find out the truth. Nevertheless, all characters in this book where very realistic, just like ordinary people you would meet in the street, with their flaws and strengths. I found the characters really well thought through and interesting. They had really mysterious personalities, and I loved the way Poppy was trying to figure everything out.
The narrative of this book was very smartly created, jumping between two different stories, the one of Poppy’s investigation and the other one, mysterious one, which kept me guessing and very intrigued, and I will admit, that outcome really surprised me. I really enjoyed the way L.V. Hay described Brighton in this book, I loved the details and the described spirit of this great place. Even though it is a crime novel, I admired the way L.V. Hay incorporated her message, by showing what struggles some LGBT communities people are facing. I would love to talk more about it, but it would spoil the reading experience.
The writing style of this book is easy to read and those lovely short chapters makes this book a quick and pleasant read for those naughty rainy summer days. Every chapter opened up a new clue and made this book really fast paced read. There were plenty of turns and twists and very unexpected climax. So, to conclude, I would strongly recommend this intense crime thriller, full of difficult family relations, unforgotten love and surprising outcome.
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
I had a chance to read many great reviews about this book, so I was very excited to receive it from publisher. After reading it, I noticed, that even though this book is not very long, it carries a very important message, and I am very glad the author shared it with the world.
The main character in this book was Poppy, a sister of a girl who killed herself by jumping from the bridge. She has to come back to Brighton, and is trying to figure out ,why India jumped from that bridge. I really enjoyed, that this story was sister’s investigation and no detectives were participating. I found this novel really realistic and believable, just a sister trying to find out the truth. Nevertheless, all characters in this book where very realistic, just like ordinary people you would meet in the street, with their flaws and strengths. I found the characters really well thought through and interesting. They had really mysterious personalities, and I loved the way Poppy was trying to figure everything out.
The narrative of this book was very smartly created, jumping between two different stories, the one of Poppy’s investigation and the other one, mysterious one, which kept me guessing and very intrigued, and I will admit, that outcome really surprised me. I really enjoyed the way L.V. Hay described Brighton in this book, I loved the details and the described spirit of this great place. Even though it is a crime novel, I admired the way L.V. Hay incorporated her message, by showing what struggles some LGBT communities people are facing. I would love to talk more about it, but it would spoil the reading experience.
The writing style of this book is easy to read and those lovely short chapters makes this book a quick and pleasant read for those naughty rainy summer days. Every chapter opened up a new clue and made this book really fast paced read. There were plenty of turns and twists and very unexpected climax. So, to conclude, I would strongly recommend this intense crime thriller, full of difficult family relations, unforgotten love and surprising outcome.
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated To Seduce a Witch's Heart (Love and Magic, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
3.5 stars.
I've avoided paranormal romances for quite a while as I don't always want the romance to be the main part of my paranormal reads. This one, however, focused more on the romance between our witch, Merle, and our demon, Rhun. Note: I didn't realise this was a paranormal romance when I downloaded it.
It starts with Merle summoning Rhun from the Shadows - a land full of shadows, obviously - where he has been kept prisoner for the last twenty years. He comes back starving for the three things his demon needs - pleasure, pain and blood. He's very good at the charm and persuades Merle to give him two of three before finding out why she'd summoned him. Her sister, Maeve, has been taken by another demon of his kind and she is frantic to find her as she is the only remaining relative of hers.
I liked that the sexual tension between our characters happened from pretty much the first chapter. It was instant physical attraction but done well, in my opinion. He was just using her, initially, to get his powers back and she wasn't willing to let him go after anyone else when she'd been the one to summon him and feelings began to emerge the more they got to know each other/spent time together.
I did feel like the book was a tad overly long. They spent more time in bed together than they did searching for her sister - which made me get a little fed up at times, and also why it's taken me about a week to read this. Don't get me wrong, though. I did enjoy the interactions between our two characters. They had a lovely camaraderie once they got to know each other and I grew to really like them both.
Considering how I wasn't entirely invested in the story, I found myself getting a little emotional towards the end of this. I actually shed a tear when Rhun was forced back into the Shadows. It was so unfair. Of course, it would be a crappy ending to the book if they didn't get their HEA and of course they do (thank God!).
I've avoided paranormal romances for quite a while as I don't always want the romance to be the main part of my paranormal reads. This one, however, focused more on the romance between our witch, Merle, and our demon, Rhun. Note: I didn't realise this was a paranormal romance when I downloaded it.
It starts with Merle summoning Rhun from the Shadows - a land full of shadows, obviously - where he has been kept prisoner for the last twenty years. He comes back starving for the three things his demon needs - pleasure, pain and blood. He's very good at the charm and persuades Merle to give him two of three before finding out why she'd summoned him. Her sister, Maeve, has been taken by another demon of his kind and she is frantic to find her as she is the only remaining relative of hers.
I liked that the sexual tension between our characters happened from pretty much the first chapter. It was instant physical attraction but done well, in my opinion. He was just using her, initially, to get his powers back and she wasn't willing to let him go after anyone else when she'd been the one to summon him and feelings began to emerge the more they got to know each other/spent time together.
I did feel like the book was a tad overly long. They spent more time in bed together than they did searching for her sister - which made me get a little fed up at times, and also why it's taken me about a week to read this. Don't get me wrong, though. I did enjoy the interactions between our two characters. They had a lovely camaraderie once they got to know each other and I grew to really like them both.
Considering how I wasn't entirely invested in the story, I found myself getting a little emotional towards the end of this. I actually shed a tear when Rhun was forced back into the Shadows. It was so unfair. Of course, it would be a crappy ending to the book if they didn't get their HEA and of course they do (thank God!).
Shelle Perry (66 KP) rated Abide With Me : A Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery in Books
Dec 16, 2020
A young journalist is visiting Gwenafwy Abby, presumably writing a story on the new directions the church is taking. When she is found dead, Sister Agatha does not believe the theory of an accidental death. She starts a new notebook and dives into the case chasing down clues. Does the young woman’s death have something to do with scathing articles she has written in the past? Or, could it be an ex-boyfriend who just happens to show up in town, and just who was it seen entering the woman’s cottage after her death?Sister Agatha is a bit of a handful. She doesn’t do anything by half measures. One simply has to adore a nun who writes detective romance stories, has a murder club to help her with amateur sleuthing, and looks to famous literary detectives for advice. What would Miss Marple do??? Agatha’s weakness for cake lends itself to wonderful descriptions of mouthwatering traditional Welsh food. In this story, nearly everyone close to the Abby is a suspect. As much as Agatha and the reader want the killer to be found out and caught, it is likely that it will be heartbreaking for the nuns. Agatha keeps her moxie to the thrilling end of the investigation though.These are characters I would love to sit and visit with. From the put upon police department and store clerks to the individual sisters at the Abby. Maybe spend a few days learning to make cheese, especially since Gouda is my family’s fave.I loved the social commentary on modern technology and how it fits into a cloistered setting. Mostly I just giggled over the names of the shops in town, I won’t spoil them all, but, my favorites are The Fatted Calf farm to table market and Lettuce Eat Vegan.So why should you read this book? Because it is quirky, brilliant, softboiled Cozy at its best. The cast of characters and their personal stories will have you scrambling to read the first two books, or waiting impatiently for the next one.
Mad: Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know Trilogy
1.0
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Book
In this compulsively readable debut, set between London and Sicily over one blood-drenched week in...
Fiction
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.
The Last House on the Street
8.0
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A small town divided by prejudice. A secret that won't remain silent... The stunning new novel...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heartless ( Enemies to Lovers 1) in Books
Sep 11, 2023
125 of 235
Kindle
Heartless ( Enemies to Lovers 1)
By Michelle Heard
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m warned that Carter Hayes is heartless.
He’s part of the screw crew.
He’ll just use you and leave you.
He’s ruthless and always gets what he wants.
Just look for the trail of broken hearts and dreamy sighs, and you’ll find him.
“Hot as sin, Carter.”
I don’t have time to fall head over heels for any guy. Besides, he’d never notice someone like me. I have a three-step plan. Get through college. Get a job. Get my sister out of the hell hole I left her in. That’s all I have time for.
That’s until I hear of the betting pool the guys started. Whoever screws me first gets the money. The moment Carter looks at me, I know it’s only because of the bet.
I tell myself our first kiss is only for show.
I hate my heart for falling for his irresistible charm.
For one foolish moment, I actually want him to be my first earth-shattering love. All it takes for me to give in is a little attention, a cocky smile, and a fake promise of a happily-ever-after.
When I’m surrounded by crumpled sheets and the smell of sex, I realize I let him have me for four hundred dollars.
To save what little pride I have left, I pretend it didn’t mean anything, that he’s just one last screw before we all leave college.
I’ve spent the last four years lying to myself. When I’m ready to take the final step of my plan, and save my sister, guess who walks through my front door?
I actually ended up liking this! The first couple of chapters I thought were a bit ropey the “ Screw Crew” and yes that’s what they called the women they slept with was a bit ridiculous but then again these were boys! But as it developed I actually thought it was a good quick read. It was a sweet ending too I’m not much one for romance.
Kindle
Heartless ( Enemies to Lovers 1)
By Michelle Heard
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m warned that Carter Hayes is heartless.
He’s part of the screw crew.
He’ll just use you and leave you.
He’s ruthless and always gets what he wants.
Just look for the trail of broken hearts and dreamy sighs, and you’ll find him.
“Hot as sin, Carter.”
I don’t have time to fall head over heels for any guy. Besides, he’d never notice someone like me. I have a three-step plan. Get through college. Get a job. Get my sister out of the hell hole I left her in. That’s all I have time for.
That’s until I hear of the betting pool the guys started. Whoever screws me first gets the money. The moment Carter looks at me, I know it’s only because of the bet.
I tell myself our first kiss is only for show.
I hate my heart for falling for his irresistible charm.
For one foolish moment, I actually want him to be my first earth-shattering love. All it takes for me to give in is a little attention, a cocky smile, and a fake promise of a happily-ever-after.
When I’m surrounded by crumpled sheets and the smell of sex, I realize I let him have me for four hundred dollars.
To save what little pride I have left, I pretend it didn’t mean anything, that he’s just one last screw before we all leave college.
I’ve spent the last four years lying to myself. When I’m ready to take the final step of my plan, and save my sister, guess who walks through my front door?
I actually ended up liking this! The first couple of chapters I thought were a bit ropey the “ Screw Crew” and yes that’s what they called the women they slept with was a bit ridiculous but then again these were boys! But as it developed I actually thought it was a good quick read. It was a sweet ending too I’m not much one for romance.
Merissa (13443 KP) rated The Last Dragon Rider (The Wild Realms of Véneanár #1) in Books
Sep 21, 2017
The Last Dragon Rider (The Wild Realms of Véneanár #1) by Errin Krystal
The Last Dragon Rider starts off with a child being read a bedtime story. It quickly changes to become THE story, and you learn first-hand about the love between Flintathriël and Sairalindë. There is additional action, both of the battle and romantic kinds, between Flint's sister and the Captain of the special guard. Although this is only a short novel, you get a lot of background knowledge, but it isn't just 'info-dumped' on you. You find out more snippets as the story progresses, the characters develop, and situations turn tense.
This is very well written, with excellent descriptions throughout. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The ending, whilst not expected, certainly left me wanting to know more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is very well written, with excellent descriptions throughout. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The ending, whilst not expected, certainly left me wanting to know more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Lumos (380 KP) rated The Upside of Unrequited in Books
Jan 9, 2018 (Updated Jan 9, 2018)
Relatable!
I absolutely could not put this book down! The creative writing of Albertalli was well done and brought me along on a journey with her very real characters. Though slightly predictable at times, this book was everything I wanted it to be.
The main character, Molly, is a twin. Throughout this novel, we see Molly struggle with identity and the coming of age process that comes with discovering who you are through a long series of crushed until she finds one that "clicks". Molly's twin sister (Cassie) and her new girlfriend (Mina) are determined to set Molly up with Mina's best friend Will. The pair believe this will be the perfect match as then the twin set will not be separated by love. Unfortunately, things don't work out as planned and we, as readers, are suddenly caught in the whirlwind of teen romance and self-discovery.
The main character, Molly, is a twin. Throughout this novel, we see Molly struggle with identity and the coming of age process that comes with discovering who you are through a long series of crushed until she finds one that "clicks". Molly's twin sister (Cassie) and her new girlfriend (Mina) are determined to set Molly up with Mina's best friend Will. The pair believe this will be the perfect match as then the twin set will not be separated by love. Unfortunately, things don't work out as planned and we, as readers, are suddenly caught in the whirlwind of teen romance and self-discovery.