Book Review: Never Say Spy by Diane Henders

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Never Say Spy

Subtitle: (Never Say Spy #1)

Author: Diane Henders

Genre: Spy/Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20507856-never-say-spy

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A forty-something-year-old widowed bookkeeper starts life in a new place. After buying a country home with a double garage where she hopes to spend time tinkering on her beloved cars, she unexpectedly finds herself embroiled in a world of spying as she wanders into a virtual network.

What I liked about the book:

I loved this book. Who would expect a boring bookkeeper to be a kick-ass spy?

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book ended too quickly, I couldn’t wait for the next book in the series.

My favourite bits in the book:

Too many to count, I loved the book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There weren’t any, I loved the entire book. Read it in one sitting and lost a few hours sleep because I couldn’t put it down.

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

That is the good news, there are 14 more in the series already and I can’t wait for no. 15.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like a tongue-in-cheek spy mystery this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Book 1 of the NEVER SAY SPY series

…If a kickass middle-aged bookkeeper got sucked into a spy’s life…

Despite her penchant for weapons and ripe language, Aydan Kelly’s resumé reads ‘bookkeeper’, not ‘badass’. She’s leaving the city to fulfill her dream of rural tranquillity when she gets carjacked by a man who shouldn’t exist.

When RCMP officer John Kane kills her would-be abductor, Aydan thinks her troubles are over. But Kane’s investigation implicates her in an international espionage plot, and criminal charges become the least of her worries when she’s targeted by the very spies Kane suspects her of aiding.

Pity her enemies. Because nobody’s tougher than a middle-aged woman who wants her dream back.

If Janet Evanovich’s quirky humour met Robert Ludlum’s taut thrillers, the Never Say Spy series would be their love child: racy, fun, and action-packed!

Contains coarse language, moderate violence, and sexuality. The story can stand alone but will be more enjoyable if read in order.

Books in the series:

Book 1: Never Say Spy

Book 2: The Spy Is Cast

Book 3: Reach For The Spy

Book 4: Tell Me No Spies

Book 5: How Spy I Am

Book 6: A Spy For A Spy

Book 7: Spy, Spy Away

Book 8: Spy Now, Pay Later

Book 9: Spy High

Book 10: Spy Away Home

Book 11: The Spies That Bind

More books coming...

Themes: thriller, humorous, racy & risque, mystery, fun, women sleuths, espionage, spy thriller series, women sleuths series, mystery series, amateur sleuths, female protagonist, action-packed, government agents, small towns, technothrillers, series

About the Author:

By profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.

To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.

This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.

It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.

Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.

P.S. Are you a fan of the Never Say Spy series? Connect with other readers and discuss the series in the Never Say Spy Virtual Backyard Book Club at neversayspy.com!

Book Review: A Dangerous Secret by Peter Martin

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: A Dangerous Secret

Subtitle:

Author: Peter Martin

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36339349-a-dangerous-secret

Overall score:

I scored this book 3/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of a middle-aged man stuck in a job he didn’t really want. When his mother suffers a heart attack and reveals he is adopted on her deathbed, Garry wants to find out who his real parents are. His journey to get to the truth leads his family into danger.

What I liked about the book:

Towards the end, the book became more exciting.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The story was rather unbelievable and the pace was off here and there.

My favourite bits in the book:

The story had some promise.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book in its entirety did not impress. Although I enjoyed it to some degree, it was rather boring in places.

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

This book is not part of a series. I understand the author has written several books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book does not seem similar to other books and there are a few twists and turns although they are limited and unbelievable in places.

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

If you like mystery and intrigue this book may be the book for you.

I am undecided whether I would like to read more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A secret hidden for forty years is about to come out. The man at the centre of this secret discovers from his dying adoptive mother that he has a family he knew nothing about. With nothing to go on, he is determined to find them whatever the cost. However, the more he learns, the more dangerous his quest becomes. But when he finds out the truth it is so shocking and scandalous, it may well cost him his life and the lives of his family.

This book's previous title was A Sense of Discovery and includes editorial revisions.

About the Author:

Book Review: Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher by Maxine Sylvester - A book worth of recommendation.

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Ronaldo: The Phantom Carrot Snatcher

Subtitle:

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Genre: Children’s book

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? No (but I would recommend the series)

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245990-ronaldo

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is an adorable story about a reindeer, his friend and some bullies. Ronaldo stands up to the bullies, makes friends with a baby wolf and proves what others think is not important but being a friend is. I absolutely loved this story and would love to read more from this author.

What I liked about the book:

I loved the story, the pictures and the cheekiness of the characters. I’m so glad I grabbed this book when it was on offer free and immediately recommended it to a friend with an eight-year-old daughter. I’m sure she’ll love it too.

What I didn’t like about the book:

What’s not to like? I loved it.

My favourite bits in the book:

The adorable wolf cub stood up to bullies for her friend Ronaldo and when the entire population went on the look-out for a dangerous wolf she dressed in Ronaldo’s pyjamas to look like and adorable Dalmation puppy.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There was no least favourite bit to find in the book. It was adorable, laugh-out hilarious, with strong morals and I was sorry the book finished.

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

Yes, this is the second book in the series and the author has written and illustrated several more of her own books. The author recently released another book in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Recommendation:

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

Children	Yes
Young Adult	If confident enough to read a children’s book: Yes
Adult	If confident enough to read a children’s book: Yes

If you like cheeky characters with a sense of pride and goodness in the world this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author. Certainly a book and an author to recommend to all with children and all who are confident enough to enjoy books like this whatever their age.

Book Description by Author:

Ronaldo and Rudi discover friends come in all shapes and sizes as they embark on a superhero mission to help a lost wolf cub called Ernie find her pack.

Rudi comes up with a plan to find the pack and deliver a message during a speed test at flying school. But Ronaldo isn’t totally onboard with the idea. He desperately wants to break the speed record and the plan means jeopardising his chance of becoming champion.

Will Ronaldo go for glory… or will he discover the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice the race for Ernie?

Bumbling Wing Commander Blitsen, head of The Reindeer Flying Academy, and mischievous brothers, Dasher, Comet and Prancer also feature in this fun tale of bravery and friendship.

About the Author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.​

​

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

​

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but...

Read the full bio

https://www.ronaldotheflyingreindeer....

Book Review: Stage 3: Bravo by Ken Stark

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Stage 3: Bravo

Subtitle:

Author: Ken Stark

Genre: Horror/Zombies

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? No

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43072993-stage-3

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world following a virus attack. It mingles bits of love, hope, science and self-sacrifice together to result in an excellent book.

What I liked about the book:

The main characters were a guy with a colourful and perhaps illegal past, a nurse and a little girl. They banded together in their attempts for survival and gathered several other people along the way. Some survived, others were not so lucky.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I really enjoyed the book and I’m not overly keen of zombie stories.

My favourite bits in the book:

The scenes with MacKenzie and her dog.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The scenes where certain members of the group tried to betray others.

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

I understand this book is actually the third in the series. Despite this, it was easy to follow the book and enjoy it. I may go back and read the other two in the series too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Compared to other zombie stories I’ve read, this one is filled with hope and love for others. Although it brings out the worst in some, it brings out a lot of good in others.

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like zombie stories with love and hope elements this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

The world went blind.

Then it went mad.

But the Virus has one more trick up its sleeve...

From the author of the post-apocalyptic, zombie horror novels, Stage 3 and Stage 3: Alpha, Stage 3: Bravo is a fast-paced, nail-biting thriller for fans of The Walking Dead and World War Z.

Hank Mason had nothing left to lose.

But then came Mackenzie.

And then came Sarah.

And then came the others.

Though these seven souls had somehow survived the first days of the epidemic, every minute of life in this new world came at a price.

Thrown into a relentless battle against a population turned feral on one side, and desperate men willing to do anything to stay alive on the other, the only question remaining was...

How much were they were willing to pay to survive?

Now, those precious few are in a desperate race to save one more lost soul, and time is running out. The clock started ticking the moment they pulled into that forgotten little corner of a world gone insane.

Every second brings them closer to death.

They'll have to find a way out... or die trying.

About the Author:

I don't only write horror, but I mostly do. Why? Because humans are hard-wired to feel fear, so nothing affects us quite as much as a good scare. Besides, whether it's a community facing a zombie invasion or one man alone struggling with his inner demons, there's no better way to illuminate the very best and worst of mankind's nature than against a dark background.

I love feedback, so drop me a line at www.kenstark.ca or find me on social media and lmk what you think...

Book Review: Lullaby of the Dead by Lynn Lamb

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Lullaby of the Dead: Every Ghost Has a Story

Subtitle: (Opus of the Dead Book 1)

Author: Lynn Lamb

Genre: Paranormal/Crime

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31353088-lullaby-of-the-dead

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Landry Sinclair is a young career woman with little hope of upwards progression in her job. That is, until her superior is found murdered in a toilet. Unfortunately, her success does not last very long as she soon ends up in the murderous hands of a madman. But the story doesn’t stop there as she is forced to watch several other murders through the mirrors into the world of the living.

What I liked about the book:

I liked the alternative look at the after world in this book.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There wasn’t really anything I didn’t like in the book other than wanting to know what happens next.

My favourite bits in the book:

There were several favourite bits in the book. The ghosts are not powerless in this book, nor is romance all gone after death.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

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

The title suggests there are more books in this series. This author has also written Monte Vista Village, a completely different type of book. Both books I enjoyed very much.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I could compare this book to one I am currently writing myself. The idea for my book was already firm in my mind when I read this one. There are some other books this book could be compared to too, but the names escape me at the moment. It’s certainly a book worth reading.

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably
Adult	Yes

If you like Paranormal Crime stories this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Are you willing to entertain a different vision of the afterlife? Landry Sinclair has a story to tell—listen carefully.

I played the professional career woman. Beneath the façade, I was lonely and ashamed. My plans for upward mobility were squashed when I fell into the hands of a ruthless serial killer. I became entangled in his rich web of heinous acts. After he slipped a date-rape drug in my drink, then brutally tortured me, I awakened to an inescapable nightmarish realm on the wrong side of the mirror.

And I was not alone.

Will I be forced to idle here for an eternity, peering through the mirror into my former world, helplessly watching as a homicidal monster butchers woman after woman?

We watch life through windows, mirrors, and doors—pay attention.

I know because I sing the opus of the dead.

About the Author:

Book Review: Climbing The Walls by Sacha Fortune

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Climbing The Walls

Subtitle: (Hart & Cole #1)

Author: Sacha T.Y. Fortuné

Genre: Romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41007209-climbing-the-walls

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book hosts several non-perfect characters. Although the characters have been perfectly formed by the author, they are ‘real’ people with all their flaws and failings. Nicole appears to have it all, a career as a journalist and as a novelist, a family and a great husband. However, she gets side-tracked by her job and ‘forgets’ about her family more than once, leaving her husband to pick up the pieces. Kris is a great guy, who puts his family first and forgives Nicole her trespasses. Her boss has problems at home and confides in Nicole leading to more than a normal friendship. How will it work out?

What I liked about the book:

I liked how real the characters were, flaws and all. The portrayal of a confident career woman who wasn’t so confident after all.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Where their young daughter manages to make them talk again.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The attempts of the teacher to lure Kris from the path of a faithful husband. (but I loved that she failed)

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

This is the first book in the series and I wonder what will happen with Nicole and Kris next. But will we find out?

What books could this be compared to and why?

It’s difficult to compare this to any other books as many books have characters who are simply too perfect to be real.

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

If you like romance with a hint of reality this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

No one said motherhood or marriage would be easy.

But the high-powered job didn't quite factor into the equation.

Nor did the attractive boss in dire need of a friendly shoulder to cry on...

***Real emotion. Real life. Real love. This is NOT a glossy love story. But if you're looking for a romance read that will rattle you... characters that will change you... and love that will last in your mind long after you're finished... THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU.***

CLIMBING THE WALLS

Kris fell, head over heels over hormones, for the damaged b*tch who became his power-woman sex-goddess wife.

All Nicole wants is to be a better mother, and a wife more worthy of the husband she loves with every fibre of her body, but she is constantly yanked away by her job and her overbearing boss Darren Hart.

But Darren has marital problems of his own – and, when he confides in her, Nicole realises just how easily a happy marriage can crumble.

…Can she keep her own from doing the same?

Told from both points of view, “Climbing The Walls” explores the fibres that hold a marriage together – love, trust, forgiveness... and of course, the earth-shattering sex that will not be denied.

______________________________

PRAISE FROM READERS:

★★★★★ - "Masterful... a slow burn that quickly heats up and sends you on one emotional rollercoaster that has you holding on for dear life..."

★★★★★ - "Beyond emotional... gritty, real, raw, heart-wrenching, shocking and simply phenomenal!"

★★★★★ - "A romance read that has the ability to change you as a person, one that will have you at a loss for words and thoughts..."

★★★★★ - "Raw, real, angst, hot steamy passion, incredible characters, twists and turns that leave you wanting and needing more..."

★★★★★ - "I was a total and complete wreck during this book and for about an hour afterwards. My heart hurt, I smiled, I got so angry I wanted to hit something, I cried and I forgave things I never thought I would. I have become completely and totally emotionally invested in these people… all of them and I want more."

______________________________

“HART & COLE” SERIES:

“A marriage is not a happy ending; it’s a beginning of so much more to come.”

The books in this series share characters and events, and should be read in chronological order for the optimal reading experience.

Book 1 - "Climbing The Walls" is Kris' & Nicole's story, and can be read as a standalone.

Book 2 - "Pandora's Poison" is the first part of Darren's & Luisa's story, and can be read without reading Book 1 prior (although not recommended).

Book 3 - "Pandora's Price" is the completion of Darren's & Luisa's story, and must be read after Book 2.

About the Author:

Sacha T. Y. Fortuné writes to keep herself sane and because THE INK demands it.

Check out her

Website: www.sachafortune.com/author

Blog: www.sachafortune.com/author/blog

Facebook: @SFortuneAuthor

Instagram: @SFortuneAuthor

Book Review: Meet Clara Andrews by Lacey London

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Meet Clara Andrews

Subtitle: (Clara Andrews #1)

Author: Lacey London

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23691191-meet-clara-andrews

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

In this book we meet Clara Andrews, a young career woman who designs shoes. While on a night out, she meets a young American and hits it off with him. The next day she is shocked to find this man is an American she needs to work on a project on. Clara attempts to forget about Oscar by dating a young barman. From thereon a lot of things go awry and right at the same time.

What I liked about the book:

I loved the way everything went from awkward to running smoothly to completely out of control within the book. The book was hilarious in places and emotional in others.

What I didn’t like about the book:

For me the book was over too soon, I wanted to know what was next.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Clara looks up from a dropped building pass to meet the eyes of Oscar looking back at her at the beginning of the book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When Clara meets Oscar’s friends and things get extremely awkward.

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

This book is the first in the series and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens with Clara and Oscar next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

The book has certain elements of ‘Love actually’ and ‘4 weddings and a funeral’ in it.

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

If you like romance and humour this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Meet Clara Andrews... Your new best friend.

With a love of designer brands, a fantastic job at Suave, the latest big name to rock the shoe industry and the world’s greatest best friend, she thought she had it all.

That is until a chance meeting introduces her to the most handsome man alive. Trying to keep the focus on her work, she finds her heart stolen by Michelin starred restaurants and luxury hotels.

Clara reminds herself that inter office relationships are against the rules, so when a sudden recollection of a work’s night out leads her to a cheeky, charming and downright gorgeous barman, she decides to see where it goes.

Join Clara as she attempts to flirt her way through the dangers of dating two men. Landing in and out of trouble, re-affirming friendships, discovering truths and uncovering secrets along the way.

About the Author:

Lacey London is the bestselling author of the hugely popular CLARA series, ANXIETY GIRL series, and MOLLIE MCQUEEN series.

Lacey lives in Cheshire, England with her husband and their Yorkshire Terrier. When she is not writing, she can usually be found enjoying the countryside or with her nose in a book. Failing that, she is probably sleeping. Lacey loves fairy-tales and hates numbers, except the ones in her bank account.

Books in the Clara Series:

MEET CLARA ANDREWS

CLARA MEETS THE PARENTS

MEET CLARA MORGAN

CLARA AT CHRISTMAS

MEET BABY MORGAN

CLARA IN THE CARIBBEAN

CLARA IN AMERICA

CLARA IN THE MIDDLE

CLARA'S LAST CHRISTMAS

CLARA BOUNCES BACK

CLARA'S GREEK ADVENTURE

Books in the Anxiety Girl series:

ANXIETY GIRL

ANXIETY GIRL FALLS AGAIN

ANXIETY GIRL BREAKS FREE

Books in the Mollie McQueen series:

MOLLIE MCQUEEN IS NOT GETTING DIVORCED

MOLLIE MCQUEEN IS NOT HAVING A BABY

All are available to download worldwide on Amazon Kindle.

Book Review: Delectable Desire by Viki Dumee

Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Delectable Desire: The Happy Waitress, Part One

Subtitle:

Author: Viki Dumee

Genre: Erotic romance

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45718346-delectable-desire

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Jessica likes going to her brother’s house to have a shower after work. Her brother recently moved in with his girlfriend and her son. Mark fancies Jessica and Jessica fancies Mark. So, what could happen when she finds him watching porn through the window?

What I liked about the book:

The book approaches a slightly taboo subject from a different viewpoint.

What I didn’t like about the book:

It is like many other erotic stories, slightly lacking in underlying story. But for one of this genre it’s quite good in this.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book in its entirety was enjoyable though not exceptional.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable.

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

This is the first book in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is similar to many other erotic stories. It’s enjoyable but not to the standard of the Fifty Shades series.

Recommendation:

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

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

If you like erotic fiction this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

When Jessica decides to go to her brother Todd and his girlfriend Tina's house to take a shower. she finds herself locked out and without a key. She snoops around and peeks through the basement window to see if anyone is there. She sees that Mark, Tina's eighteen year old son who has a bit of a crush on her is at home and watching adult movies as well as other things!!!!

She finally gets inside and surprises Mark. After telling him she is taking a shower, she offers him an invitation to join. What happens next ? Read and find out, I'll never tell.

This story is for adults only. 18 and over please. Thank you.

About the Author: