Sunday 18 April 2021

Book Review: The Memorabilia Man by Charlie Wood

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: The Memorabilia Man

Subtitle: When they tell you they’re not gansters.....

Author: Charlie Wood

Genre: Crime Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54193551-the-memorabilia-man

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

This book is a great suspenseful novel. A musician runs into money trouble and helps his brother in doing up a house while gaining some money. However, things don’t go as planned, and he gets embroiled in a big mystery with a potential risk to life and limbs.

What I liked about the book:

The book was action-packed and kept you guessing till the end.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was a good read.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the book in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I understand there is another book in this series and I intend to read that one too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book can be compared to others with the same theme. Guy falls onto bad time and needs to do something he is unsure is legal to keep his head above water.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Possibly

Adult

Yes

 

If you like crime stories without a back story, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series too.

Book Description by Author:

In the spring of 2014 struggling musician Mike Bradley is forced to do some manual work over the spring bank holiday to make ends meet. What was supposed to be a routine decorating job turns into a life changing decision.

 

Is the Memorabilia man all he appears to be?

 

A story of loyalty and betrayal and a misguided sense of honour.

About the Author:

Book Review: Dominic Bierre's Night Moves by Misty Musette

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Dominic Bierre’s Night Moves

Subtitle:

Author: Misty Musette

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53622966-dominic-bierre-s-night-moves

Overall score:

I scored this book 3.5/5

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Dominic Bierre, a very selfish young man. His only aim in life appears to be to get every woman into his bed, and he seems to judge his happiness by how many women he has bedded. The more exotic, the better.

What I liked about the book:

It was an easy to read book.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I must admit I got rather annoyed by the guy. Who does he think he is? But then, I’m a woman and don’t like being treated as a trophy.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I don’t like the conquests for the sake of conquests kind of stories and would have liked to have some more depth in the story. But perhaps I’m just picky.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This author has written several other books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a book within the erotic genre. The writing style is good but little else goes on than the conquests and the sex.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

No

Adult

Yes

 

If you like erotic stories without a back story, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Dominic is as hedonistic as they come, always a little bit too much of everything: too irreverent, too egoistical, and far too much of a deviant, sexual and otherwise. His smooth tongue, quick wit, and raw sex appeal make seduction almost too easy, but life has a way of keeping him on his toes by throwing a brand new challenge his way just when he needs it the most. Nothing can derail Dominic and no woman or risqué encounter is off limits as he roams the city in search of the exciting and the unusual, ready to plunge into the unknown and thrust his way through to victory.

About the Author:

Misty is a newly published author who enjoys writing romances in every genre. From the coolest adventures everyone can enjoy, to warmer slow burns and hotter infernos for mature readers. She has mastered the sustainment of tension and intrigue and is fearless at approaching even the most taboo of subject matter. Misty's books will keep you breathless until the final page!

 

Misty also works with several writer’s groups. Building stories online, often in what can only be described as group-sexting sessions. They bounce ideas between each other during these risqué chats until a fantastic adventure blooms. It is then meticulously edited into a more coherent story for your enjoyment. Many are short stories, compiled into collections of about 10-20 per book following some basic theme. Other ideas have deeper plots, or recurring themes, and characters that we love, so they grow into books and series of their own.

 

Please add us to your favorites list, and keep an eye on our new releases!

Please leave us good reviews, as this will encourage us to release more quickly!

Sunday 11 April 2021

Book Review: Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Magic-Borne

Subtitle: (The Crown of Stones #3)

Author: C.L. Schneider

Genre: Magic/Horror

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29346239-magic-borne

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

This is the third and last book in the series. We have followed Ian Troy through the last 2 books and follow him again now. During this time he has paid the price for his magic, borne the scars and now he wants to end the hunger his race, the Shinree, fall victim to. To end this, he is willing to sacrifice his life. However, will he reach his goal?

What I liked about the book:

This series had me hooked from the start. It action-packed and full of twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

What’s not to like?

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book is good.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book. I might have wished for a different outcome, but hey, we can’t always get what we want.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The author has written 2 earlier books in this series and many others I understand.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Although the book is unique, it is like a lot of other books in some respects. Love, sacrifice, difficulty to do what’s right etc.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like your books dark, and action-packed, this book (and series) may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

He’s paid for his addiction. He’s been scarred by his spells.

He’s borne magic’s weight, its pleasure, and its guilt.

But will he surrender to it when the realm needs him most?

 

In one fell swoop, the resistance was shattered. Lives were taken. Hope was lost. Peace slipped like grains of sand through his fingers. So did the Crown of Stones. Now, forced into hiding, Ian Troy grapples for a way to save the realm—and free its people—from the sadistic clutches of Jem Reth; Mirra’kelan’s new self-appointed emperor. Plagued with the knowledge of a tragic future, he strives to influence events and save those he cares for. But his magic has betrayed him, and Fate has other plans.

 

Marked by the crown, hindered by the transformation spell contained within, each cast brings Ian one step closer to becoming more beast than man. Each move brings the death and destruction foretold in his vision inexplicably nearer. With Langor on the brink of war, and King Malaq’s plan for peace hanging in the balance, Ian returns to the ancient past; seeking an end to the eldring spell and a means to thwart Jem’s growing domination. What he finds there sets off a chain of revelations that leads Ian places he never thought to go.

 

Entrusted with the future of his race, Ian becomes the linchpin for lasting change. But how much weight can one man carry? And how much is he willing to sacrifice in the name of peace?

About the Author:

Born in the Midwest, I live in New York's scenic Hudson Valley Region with my husband and two sons. A huge reader since childhood, I penned my first full-length novel in high school on a typewriter in my parent's living room. That was when my dream of becoming a published author was born. Life happened, and it took a while, but I can honestly say: it's the best job ever.

 

If you're looking for puppies, rainbows, and sweet romance, you won't find that here. My stories tend to run dark, gritty, and adult, full of action, magic, intrigue, antiheroes, mysteries and monsters.

 

You can learn more about me and my work at clschneiderauthor.com where you can read reviews, excerpts and sneak peeks, subscribe to my newsletter, and join my Street Team. Connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where I'm often found chatting about the wonderful roller coaster of a writer's life.

Book Review: Loving in Fear by Elizabeth Grimes Brown

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Loving in Fear

Subtitle:

Author: Elizabeth Grimes Brown

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25374837-loving-in-fear

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

This is not a book for the faint-hearted. The story is one of control and domestic abuse and the effect this has on a young and impressionable girl. Kathy falls for the handsome Adam and despite friends and family warning her he is too controlling, she feels she understands and can change him. Slowly, she starts to believe it is all her fault. If only she obeyed him better. Eventually, her eyes open, but is it too late to escape an abusive relationship?

What I liked about the book:

This book has you hooked from the start. It’s action-filled and has an unexpected twist.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book despite discussing uncomfortable issues.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Kathy finally had the guts to find a way out.

My least favourite bits in the book:

Every time Kathy ended up on the wrong end of her husband.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I am not aware of any other books by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is not like any other books I’ve read before. It deals with an uncomfortable subject and makes you wonder if the author has personal experience.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Possibly

Adult

Yes

 

If you like your books dark, but full of hope for the future, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Finding herself in a relationship that, over a short period of time, has changed from caring and attentive to manipulation and control, Kathy Grove continues to ignore all warnings from friends and relatives. By convincing herself this is love, only serves to help the handsome, dominant Adam to alienate and isolate her. Through his jealousy and suspicion, things soon escalate into violence. As her self-esteem dwindles, he tells her it’s all her fault. She accepts the blame and believes he’ll change if she doesn't provoke him.

Kathy feels close when they make love, and using sex as a form of control he ensures that she is satisfied.

After Adam reveals a dark secret from his childhood, she believes this is why he chose her above any of the voluptuous girls at school. Convincing herself this is in part the cause of his paranoia, she tries to keep him pacified.

Also his threats to harm her family keep her from leaving him.

She thinks he’ll change when they have children, she is wrong. Now he has something more to hold over her, the safety of her little girls.

Finally, finding a way to escape him, she sets her plan in motion but is forced to take drastic action when she believes the children’s lives are in imminent danger.

A bloody scene sends Kathy and the children fleeing to their secret hide-out.

About the Author:

 

Saturday 3 April 2021

Book Review: Linger when you're gone by Chitra Padmana

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Linger, When You're Gone

Subtitle: A Romantic Psychological Thriller

Author: Chitra Padmana

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Mystery

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57362934-linger-when-you-re-gone

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

Miris suffers from hyperosmia. She can smell more than normal people can and has used this to help the police in solving cases before.

Then her friend dies in mysterious circumstances and the smell of her controlling, abusive ex-boyfriend rears its ugly head. A boyfriend who died several years ago.

Miris gets close to Sam and Saira, her neighbours and then things start to get out of hand.

What I liked about the book:

The book was action-packed and difficult to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing not to like.

My favourite bits in the book:

The suspense and thriller elements.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I’m not sure if the author has written any other books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

It is difficult to find a book to compare this one with. It is a good thriller and would lend itself to being made into a movie.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Maybe

Adult

Yes

 

If you like thrillers, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

“If I were wired to sense just one thing in this entire world, it would be the smell of you. Not flowers, not petrichor. Not liquid ink or pages of a new book. You. Just You. Filling all the spaces of my being.”

 

For Miris, her keen sense of smell has always been a blessing and a bane. For years, she has wrapped herself in seclusion to escape the dark memories of her past. When the mysterious death of her best friend sends her world crashing down, she finds herself in a dangerous quagmire of nostalgia and temptation as terrifying secrets emerge.

 

Then one day… she’s suddenly engulfed by his essence.

 

Roy, who she’d promised to love forever.

 

Roy, who was never supposed to come back.

 

Plunged into cyclic nightmares, Miris will have to navigate the haunted realms of hallucination and reality as help and deception arrive in unexpected forms.

 

Will Sam and Saira, her friendly neighbours become twin rays of the sunshine she craves or will they be consumed by her darkness?

 

Is this insanity? Or a sinister presence?

 

‘Linger, when you’re gone’, a unique psychological thriller packed with romance and suspense, will quicken your pulse and keep it racing!

About the Author:

Book Review: A Walk to Revenge by Sam Thompson

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: A Walk to Revenge

Subtitle: (DI Jonty Ball series Book 1)

Author: Sam Thompson

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54897085-a-walk-to-revenge

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

What really happened when Paul died? Was it a freak hit-and-run as everyone thought? Or was there more behind this tragic event? Paul leaves behind a mother, wife and unborn child.

Then, many years later a young American and his wife meet Paul’s friend on a coast-to-coast walk. Suddenly, Jake’s childhood dreams seem more real than before?

Do you believe in reincarnation?

What I liked about the book:

The book was action-packed and difficult to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The first few chapters were a little confusing but their relevance became more apparent in subsequent chapters.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Jonty is cynical about Jake’s motives and later trusts him implicitly.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The title of the book suggests this book is part of a series but I’m not aware of any other books in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

It is difficult to find a book to compare this one with. It has a mixture of action, detective, and the paranormal.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Perhaps

Adult

Yes

 

If you like detective stories, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A drizzly Manchester night, a hit and run. A chance meeting decades later leads ultimately to the exposure of a transatlantic crime family. Their story begins during the twenties New York prohibition era and follows its evolution into a modern-day underworld business.

Jake Hughes and DI Jonty Ball threaten the empire and as a web of murder and deceit is exposed, the crime family bares its’ teeth, leading to an explosive finale where the winner takes all! Or do they?

A crime novel with a touch of the paranormal.…

About the Author:

Book Review: Everything Happens for a Reason by Tina-Marie Miller

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Everything Happens for a Reason

Subtitle: (The Hamptons Book 1)

Author: Tina-Marie Miller

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33977403-everything-happens-for-a-reason

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

Short Summary of the book:

Losing your mother suddenly has a major impact on you. However, Poppy does not allow this to bring her down and embarks on a successful career as a PA.

When she meets Oliver, she initially considers him rude but soon falls for his charms.

All goes well and they are about to be married. And then, she wakes up and finds him dead in the bed next to her.

With her world in tatters, she has to find her way out of depression and put her life back together again. Many surprises follow.

What I liked about the book:

The book is difficult to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I really enjoyed this book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The twists and turns.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series and I would be interested to see what will happen to Poppy next. I’m not sure we will follow Poppy in the next book but I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

It is difficult to find a book to compare this one with. It has a hint of the old-style romance books.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Perhaps

Adult

Yes

 

If you like romance stories, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Shaken from the sudden death of her mother, Poppy Jackson’s only light amidst all the darkness is the prospect of embarking on an exciting new career with major investment stockbrokers Hawkins, Munroe and Sable, working as PA to the amiable Greg Sable.

 

The company’s Annual Conference is a big deal in the stock broking world and though keen to impress, Poppy’s focus wavers at the appearance of the cheeky Oliver Sullivan. After a rocky start, an unexpected romance begins to bloom. Can their love overcome their conflicting backgrounds? And how will Poppy cope when tragedy strikes a second time?

 

Meanwhile, having made the shocking discovery of his real birth father’s identity, Richard Jones decides to earn the right to take control of the family business and not just because he’d inherited it. His mother, however, is growing increasingly frustrated at his refusal to step up. Itching to put her own plans into progress she increases the pressure, completely oblivious to the consequences.

 

Curl up and relax with this tale of love, loss and everything in between, and watch as the worlds of Poppy and Richard are drawn together in a twist of fate, proving that everything really does happen for a reason…

About the Author:

I was born in the mid-60s to working class parents and grew up in a small village in the depths of the Oxfordshire countryside. My secondary school report details my social and sporting activity as ‘Disco Dancing!’ Whilst I might not be able to cut a groove on the dance floor these days, writing and music are very much in my soul.

 

I enjoyed a successful career working for a number of financial and pharmaceutical institutions based in London and the Home Counties before taking a break to bring up my children. Now that they are adults, I have the opportunity to write down all the stories that have been flowing through my mind all these years – and I so enjoy it!

 

My stories are filled with love, life, family and friendships. My books are also known for their surprising and unexpected twists!

 

These days, I have swapped the dance floor for the idyllic beaches of Cornwall where I now live. I can often be found somewhere along the coast, losing myself in a book or two or three...

 

You can discover more about me and my work at www.tinamariemiller.co.uk. I love connecting with my readers and can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as @tinseymiller.

Book Review: Do As I Say by David A Sterling

 

Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Do As I Say

Subtitle: (The Bennet Mills Mystery Series)

Author: David A. Sterling

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20992225-do-as-i-say

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

Bennett Mills is unwell on the day the senator he’s supposed to protect is assassinated; the assassin dead by suicide. As an FBI agent, he is taken off the case and asked to take annual leave.

When he meets a police officer on the flight to his family home, he is drawn in by the similarities of a case he mentions to him. What follows is an action-packed search for the truth with many twists and turns.

What I liked about the book:

The book is action-packed and beyond difficult to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I fully enjoyed this book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The many twists and turns and a hint of romance.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series and I would be interested to see what will happen to Bennett next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book has some similarities to the Jack Reacher series, but at the same time is completely unique.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Perhaps

Adult

Yes

 

If you like action-packed detective stories, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Agent Bennett Mills is a member of a special security detail charged with the protection of a prominent Arizona senator…until the senator is assassinated. With the suspected assassin having taken his own life it appears to be an open and shut case, but something doesn’t sit well with Agent Mills. While waiting for reassignment, he takes some vacation time making a less than enthusiastic trip home to see his family. A chance meeting leads Mills on the trail of a madman that is often fraught with more questions than answers. Who can be trusted? Every step forward leads to another dead end.

About the Author: