Book Review

A book review is a summary of my thoughts, feelings, and impression of a book.

#BookReview Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency by Kitty French

#BookReview Melody Bittersweet and the Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency by Kitty French Title: Melody Bittersweet and the Girls' Ghostbusting Agency

Author: Kitty French

Series: The Chapelwick Mysteries #1

Published by: Bookouture on Jul. 14, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 290

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Life’s tough for Melody Bittersweet.

She’s single, addicted to sugar and super heroes, her family are officially bonkers, and she sees dead people. Is it any wonder no-one’s swiping right on Tinder?
Waking up lonely on her twenty seventh birthday, Melody finally snaps. She can’t carry on basing all of her life decisions on the advice of her magic 8 ball; things have got to change.

Fast forward two months, and she’s now the proud proprietor of her very own ghostbusting agency – kind of like in the movies but without the dodgy white jumpsuits. She’s also flirting with her ex Leo Dark, fraternising with her enemy in alleyways, and she’s somehow ended up with a pug called Lestat.

Life just went from dull to dynamite and it’s showing no sign of slowing up anytime soon. Melody’s been hired to clear Scarborough House of its incumbent ghosts, there’s the small matter of a murder to solve, and then there’s the two very handsome, totally inappropriate men hoping to distract her from the job…

Welcome to Chapelwick, home of the brand new and hilarious Girls Ghostbusting Agency series, where things really do go bump in the night.


Review:

Highly Imaginative, entertaining, and down-right funny!

I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this novel, but boy was I pleasantly surprised.

This story has an extraordinary cast of characters that are lovable and unique, from the eccentric, quirky Melody Bittersweet, right down to Babs, the vintage company van and Lestat, the one-eared pug.

The writing is straightforward and smooth. And the plot is jam-packed full of oddball situations, witty banter, a dash of romance, and a century-old mystery.

This novel really is a hoot from start to finish. And I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out what kind of hijinks, The Girls’ Ghostbusting Agency, gets up to next.

 

This book is due to be published on July 14, 2016

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst @jenniferprobst

#BookReview Everywhere and Every Way by Jennifer Probst @jenniferprobst Title: Everywhere and Every Way

Author: Jennifer Probst

Series: Billionaire Builders #1

Published by: Gallery Books on May 31, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 367

Format: eBook

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Hot on the heels of her beloved Marriage to a Billionaire novels, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst nails it with the first in an all-new sexy romance series featuring red-hot contractor siblings who give the Property Brothers a run for their money!

Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father’s luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss’s chair. But his father’s will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers.

Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T—or she’ll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers’ reputation. Not one to ignore a challenge, Caleb vows to get the job done—if only he can stop getting distracted by his new client’s perfect…amenities.

But there’s more to icy Morgan than meets the eye. And Caleb’s not the only one who knows how to use a stud-finder. In fact, Morgan is pretty sure she’s found hers—and he looks quite enticing in a hard hat. As sparks fly between Morgan and Caleb despite his best intentions not to mix business and pleasure, will she finally warm up and help him lay the foundation for everlasting love?


Review:

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Once again, Jennifer Probst has written a steamy contemporary romance novel that is sexy, smart, and funny.

This is a sizzling, easy read that mixes, a handsome, hard-bodied contractor and a beautiful, southern designer, with the tried-and-true, client-to-more plot.

The characters are engaging, charming, cheeky, and memorable. And as always, the chemistry between the characters is exceptional. 

This is a really enjoyable read that is perfect for the beach, summer, or anytime!

I look forward to reading the next book in the Billionaire Builders series, Dalton Pierce’s story, when it is published in early 2017.

And if you haven’t previously read any other novels by this author, I highly recommend the Marriage to a Billionaire series. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo

 

 

About Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012, and spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers.

#BookReview Valentina by S. E. Lynes @SELynesAuthor

#BookReview Valentina by S. E. Lynes @SELynesAuthor Title: Valentina

Author: S.E. Lynes

Published by: Blackbird Digital Books on Jul. 1, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 280

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Blackbird Digital Books

Book Rating: 9/10

When Glasgow journalist Shona McGilvery moves with her partner Mikey and their baby to an idyllic cottage in rural Scotland, they believe that all that lies ahead of them is happiness.

But with Mikey working offshore, the frightening isolation of the Aberdeenshire countryside begins to drive her insane…

That is, until she is rescued by a new friendship with the enchanting Valentina. 

She has the perfect home, the perfect man, and a charismatic new best friend – or does she?

As her fairytale life begins to unravel, the deep dark wood becomes the least of her fears…

A hauntingly intelligent, addictive psychological thriller from debut author S. E. Lynes. 


Review:

Disturbingly believable, intriguing, and spine-chillingly evil!

This is a psychological thriller that illustrates the mental and emotional anguish caused by secrets, lies, deception, selfishness, and manipulation.

The story is told from two perspectives. Shona, a new mother, struggling with loneliness and isolation. And Valentina, a confident, outgoing mother who befriends her.

The prose is clear, precise, and remarkably descriptive. The characters are multifaceted, flawed and absorbing. And the plot is dark, riveting, and suspenseful. 

This is a really well written, tension-filled, debut novel with an ending that takes the definition of karma to a whole other level.

This book is due to be published on July 1, 2016. 

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

For more information on S. E. Lynes, follow her on Twitter at: @SELynesAuthor

 

 

Thank you to Blackbird Books, and S.E. Lynes, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech @karenfenech

#BookReview Breath of Malice by Karen Fenech @karenfenech Title: Breath of Malice

Author: Karen Fenech

Series: Malice #1

Published by: Montlake Romance on Jun. 14, 2016

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Pages: 228

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

FBI special agent Paige Carson hoped she’d be able to start a new life in small-town South Carolina. But when a senator’s sister is murdered and a blank postcard is left next to the body, Paige realizes that a killer from her past has found her—and is sending her a very personal message.

From the moment he hired her, FBI special agent in charge Sam McKade knew Paige was hiding something. Prompted by this recent threat, she finally opens up: one year ago, she caught the eye of suspected serial killer Todd Thames. Now he’s come back to pull her into his game, whether she wants to play or not.

As the danger increases, Paige and Sam give in to their growing attraction, and he vows to protect her no matter the cost. But the murderer will stop at nothing to get to his intended prey, and the strong arm of the law—and the shelter of her new love—may not be enough to save her.


Review:

Suspenseful, highly entertaining, and disturbingly creepy!

This story takes us on a hunt for a serial killer, a highly intelligent serial killer, with a fascination for medieval torture, and an obsession for a specific FBI agent.

The characterization is well done. The main character, Paige, is tenacious, brave, and likeable, and her counterpart, Sam, is strong, relentless, and handsome. The plot builds and flows nicely from start to finish. And the storyline is interesting, action-packed, and a little steamy.

This is a really easy, exciting, enjoyable read that would be perfect for fans of Karen Robards or Mary Burton.

 

This book is due to be published on June 14, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

For more information on Karen Fenech, visit her website at: karenfenech.com

or follow her on Twitter at: @karenfenech

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview The Story of Our Life by Shari Low @sharilow

#BookReview The Story of Our Life by Shari Low @sharilow Title: The Story of Our Life

Author: Shari Low

Published by: Aria on Jul. 1, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 326

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Unwind, laugh, cry … but feel uplifted with this bittersweet love story. Perfect for the fans of Jo-Jo Moyes and Marian Keyes.

So what would you do if your husband slept with another woman?

Colm strolled into my life fifteen years ago. If there’s ever such a thing as love at first sight, that was it for us both.

A few weeks later we married, celebrating with those who cared, ignoring the raised eyebrows of the cynics.

We knew better. This was going to be forever. The dream come true. The happy ever after.

Until it wasn’t.

Because a couple of months ago everything changed. We discovered a devastating truth, one that blew away our future and forced us to revisit our past, to test the bonds that were perhaps more fragile than they seemed.

So now I ask you again, what would you do if your husband slept with another woman?

Because this is what I did.

I’m Shauna.

And this is the Story of Our Life…


Review:

Deeply moving, insightful, and sweet.

This is a heartwarming story that, ultimately, reminds us how precious life really is.

It has a wonderful cast of characters that are strong, real, and empathetic. And the plot is written in a past/present, back and forth, style that gives a wonderful depth and appreciation to all the personalities and relationships within it.

The writing is extremely well done, and you will not only laugh, but cry, as this tale of love, heartbreak, friendship, hardship, and loss unfolds.

It truly is a lovely, bittersweet novel that was a pleasure to read.

This book is due to be published on July 1, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Aria Fiction, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

#BookReview Into the Light by Aleatha Romig @AleathaRomig

#BookReview Into the Light by Aleatha Romig @AleathaRomig Title: Into the Light

Author: Aleatha Romig

Series: The Light #1

Published by: Thomas & Mercer on Jun. 14, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 352

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Sara Adams awakes blind, unable to remember the most basic details of her life, but her darkness seems a blessing when she discovers the terrors of The Light.

Stella Montgomery investigates the news on the mean streets of Detroit, where she’s noticed a disturbing trend: young women are vanishing. When her best friend disappears, Stella investigates—despite warnings from her police detective boyfriend—following a twisted trail that leads her through the city’s most dangerous and forsaken precincts. There she uncovers something more sinister than she could have imagined: a shadowy organization known as The Light, led by the enigmatic Father Gabriel.

As Sara struggles to understand her place in the strange world she’s awakened to—an oppressive cult demanding unquestioning obedience—and her feelings for Jacob, the husband she can’t recall and whose harsh and tender attentions confuse and beguile her, Stella risks all to discover the truth. But enlightenment always comes with a price…


Review:

Incredibly clever, disturbingly realistic, and positively creepy!

This is a thriller that transports you into the darkest corners of the human psyche and takes you on a roller coaster ride of psychological manipulation, control, indoctrination, murder, corruption, and deviant ideologies.

The prose is precise, original, and descriptive . The characters are dynamic and complex. And the story is perfectly plotted, powerful, creative, and magnificently twisty.

I guarantee that this story will ensnare you right from the prologue and the ending will blow you away.

This is the first book in the, The Light, series and is set to be published on June 14, 2016. And after reading this story you will definitely be counting down the days until the second book “Away From the Dark” is released later in the fall.

This novel is due to be published on June 14, 2016.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/IndigoBook Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Thomas & Mercer, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Aleatha Romig

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

#BookReview Love to Hate You by Anna Premoli

#BookReview Love to Hate You by Anna Premoli Title: Love to Hate You

Author: Anna Premoli

Published by: Aria on Jun. 1, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 266

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Jennifer and Ian have known each other for seven years, and they’ve always been at war. They are leaders of two different teams in the same merchant bank, and are engaged in a running battle to be number one.

Until one day, they are forced to work on the same project, managing the money of a rich aristocrat. They have to spend a lot of time together, even outside office hours. Ian is the most wealthy and sought-after bachelor in London, and an innocent evening spent at the same table is enough to land him and Jennifer on the gossip pages of a tabloid.

Much to his surprise, Ian starts to realise that being with Jenny could have its benefits: the photos have discouraged all the vacuous girls that usually flock to him. Pleased to be rid of them, Ian makes Jenny an offer she can’t refuse: to have free reign of their rich client if she pretends to be his girlfriend. But soon, it becomes more and more difficult to tell the difference between fiction and reality… 


Review:

Light-hearted, charming, and delightful.

This story is truly a contemporary approach to the classic happy-ever-after fairy tale, complete with the handsome, rich Lord, and the intelligent, strong-minded commoner.

The prose is clear and precise, The plot is interesting, well paced, and entertaining. And the characters are sweet, amusing, while at times maddening.

Overall this is a nice, romantic, easy read that would be perfect for a relaxing day in summer.

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Aria Fiction, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview To Have and To Hold by Lauren Layne @_LaurenLayne

#BookReview To Have and To Hold by Lauren Layne @_LaurenLayne Title: To Have and to Hold

Author: Lauren Layne

Series: The Wedding Belles #1

Published by: Pocket Books on Jul. 26, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 362

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Pocket Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne is the “queen of witty dialogue and sexy scenes” (Rachel Van Dyken)! Now, Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, her sizzling brand new contemporary romance series about three ambitious wedding planners who can make any bride’s dream come true…but their own.

Discovering her fiancé is an international con man just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Burke’s business—and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she’s found it with her first bridal client, a sweet—if slightly spoiled—hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who’s holding the purse strings.

Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister Maya’s fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya’s fiancé is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke’s help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning…is theirs?


Review:

Romantic, engaging, and downright steamy!

This is a great contemporary romance story, set in the eclectic New York City, about family, friendship, heartbreak, trust, and true love.

The writing is well done. The plot is precise, intelligent, and captivating.  And the characters, including a whole slew of memorable supporting characters, are charming, quirky, and endearing.

Overall, this is a sexy, intriguing, easy read, that I highly recommend.

This book is due to be published on July 26, 2016.

Please pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Pocket Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lauren Layne

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen romantic comedies.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career.

She lives in midtown Manhattan with her high-school sweetheart, where she writes smart romantic comedies with just enough sexy-times to make your mother blush. In LL’s ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

#BookReview My Husband’s Son by Deborah O’Connor @deboc77

#BookReview My Husband’s Son by Deborah O’Connor @deboc77 Title: My Husband's Son

Author: Deborah O'Connor

Published by: Twenty7 on Jun. 16, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

A captivating psychological thriller with a devastating twist, perfect for fans of Apple Tree Yard and Gone Girl

Heidi and Jason aren’t like other couples.

Six years ago, Heidi’s daughter was murdered. Five years ago, Jason’s son Barney disappeared. Their shared loss brought them together.

By chance, Heidi meets a boy she’s certain is Barney.

But Jason is equally convinced it’s not him.

Is Heidi mad? Or is Jason hiding something? And can their fragile marriage survive Heidi’s newfound quest for the truth . . .


Review:

Hauntingly realistic, disturbing, and intriguing!

This story takes us on a journey of both the physical and mental extent to which a parent will go when their worst nightmare has come true and their child is missing. And it exposes the fragility of relationships based on loss and heartbreak, and the devastation that can be caused by secrets and lies.

The writing is exceptional. The characters are determined, relentless, consumed, and damaged. And the plot is dark, captivating, and full of multiple twists that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride, through moral and ethical dilemmas, until the very end.

This is a truly gripping, psychological thriller that I guarantee you won’t be able to put down.

This book is due to be published on June 16, 2016.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaIndigoBook Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bonnier Publishing – Twenty7, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#BookReview Lovers and Liars by Nigel May @Nigel_May @bookouture

#BookReview Lovers and Liars by Nigel May @Nigel_May @bookouture Title: Lovers and Liars

Author: Nigel May

Published by: Bookouture on Jun. 16, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 378

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Welcome to the Velvet Hotel Barbados where money and sex go hand in hand with murder …. 

When Millionaire playboy Sheridan Rivers is found dead at his luxurious hotel on the paradise island of Barbados, there are several suspects in the frame… 

Sutton: Sheridan’s long-suffering wife was permanently pushed aside for his younger lovers. Was it time for her to make a stand? 

Kassidy: Sheridan’s assistant longs to be wealthy in her own right. Employed for her sexual and organisational skills, could she have had her eyes on a bigger prize? 

Nikki: Sheridan’s oldest daughter has done something really bad that her dad has discovered. What price will she pay to keep his silence? 

Heather: The apple of her father, Sheridan’s eye. But her father was responsible for a terrible tragedy that turned her world upside down. Is the time ripe for revenge? 

Four women, each with a cross to bear – all waiting for the perfect moment to get even… 

This summer, pour yourself a glass of bubbly and escape with the elite to the golden beaches of Barbados for a sexy, scandalous romp that you won’t be able to put down. 


Review:

Wickedly entertaining, outrageously sexy, and positively captivating!

This novel takes you into the lives of the, Velvet Hotels, Rivers’ family. They are rich. They are famous. And they have everything you would expect, designer clothes, fast cars, and private jets. But like most families with power, privilege, and money everything is not as it seems, and behind closed doors you find adultery, debauchery, lies, secrets, scandals, and murder.

It is extremely well written. The plot has an abundance of action, drama, and sex. And the characterization is bold and complex. There are characters you will love and characters you will love to hate. 

To me, I couldn’t give any greater praise than to say it’s like a cross between a really good Jackie Collins and Jilly Cooper novel.

I am embarrassed to say this was the first Nigel May book I have ever read, but I think I may have just found my new guilty pleasure!

This book is due to be published on June 16, 2016.

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Nigel May

Nigel May has been described as "the UK's male Jackie Collins" and is an author, TV host and journalist. His three fiction novels have all been published by Bookouture.

His first glam fiction novel was TRINITY, an action-packed blockbuster (or bonkbuster) about the lives of the rich and famous. Glamour, beauty, fame and celebrity mix with murder, intrigue and danger to create an explosive novel which gained incredible reviews and fans across the globe. His follow-up was the glitz-meets-grit whodunit ADDICTED which was also a huge success and once again dived into the diamond-dipped world of the mega-rich but showed that all of the money and fame in the world do not always make for a happy ending. His third novel SCANDALOUS LIES is steeped in secrets, sin, sex and scandal and takes readers around the world as a mysterious celebrity disappearance is investigated. His books have been Amazon best sellers, read by celebrities and fellow authors alike, and have proved that a man can successfully write in a 'bonkbuster world' that has always been a strongly female domain.

Nigel was the only male writer amongst 44 authors featured in the chart-topping, beach-read anthology of short-stories SUNLOUNGER. He also contributed a short story to SUNLOUNGER 2.

On television he regularly presents on UK shopping channels where he has built up a substantial following. He has also featured on Channel 4, C5, ITV and broadcast live from America. He is also one of the UK's most popular craft personalities, having launched his own successful range, A-May-Zing.

As a writer he has written for many of the UK's most successful magazines and newspapers, specialising in showbiz and celebrity, as well as writing on subjects ranging from relationships through to exotic travel.