An American Cage by Ted Galdi

Synopsis:

Three inmates break out of a maximum-security prison in Texas, one of them Danny Marsh, a suburban kid in his twenties who landed in jail because of a crime he never intended to commit.

An American Cage follows Danny and his two escape partners over a twenty-four-hour period as they struggle to cross Texas to freedom in Mexico. On this dangerous journey, Danny has to evade the rabid Texas authorities, and even worse, the schemes of one of his closest allies, who isn't who he seems.

Review:

So I managed to read this book in like 6 hours, it was so good I really couldn't put it down so it wasn't much of a surprise for me to read it all in one go. 

Danny Marsh is 24 years old, after one error of judgment one night after a dinner out with his colleagues he ends up behind bars at Crick Maximum Security Prison located in Texas. He was often a victim of panic attacks until he was housed with a new cellmate, the soft spoken Professor Phil Zorn who's forty-ish and a neuroscience researcher and was able to offer Danny father-like support and encouragement. It is then no surprise that when Phil plans a prison break, Danny, as well as ghetto raised Monty Montgomery support the escape plan.

I don't want to run through the book bit by bit and ruin it from anyone so I'll leave it there but as soon as you open the book you are thrown right into the action, it's a gripping piece of writing all the right way through. We see all of this over a 24 hour period, the time is filled by great characterizations and relentless action which helps the time pass super quickly. The characters are perfectly crafted and well developed throughout the story which juts makes it all the more wonderful. 

Although there are three main characters and point of view, we see some of the story through other characters eyes which only deepens the link between story and reader. It was lovely to see the book broken up by changes in the POV which helped give the reader a look a all angles of the story including the police and the family of those involved. 

I wasn't expecting the ending to play out like it did, it was a great surprise and I actually loved it more than I probably should. This books was truly great, even much so that on Instagram where I was hosting a book tag in August I named this book my favourite book of the year so far. Ted Galdi crafted a great book with great characters and executed it all perfectly and even though I didn't know what exactly to expect from this book when I first opened it, I fell in love with what came from it in the end. I cant give this book anything less that the 5/5 it deserves, and I can only recommend this book to anyone out there who wants to be surprised and immersed in action.

Than you to Ted who provided a copy of the book for an honest review, it was an honour.

Juniper Limits (The Juniper Series, #2) - Lora Richardson

Synopsis:

Celia has spent her life waiting for the next crisis. When the tension at home begins to ease, she wonders if she’ll finally be able to relax. Her father has stopped drinking, her cousin Fay has moved back to Juniper, and it seems like Paul might really care about her. But trust is an uphill battle for Celia, fighting against doubt the whole way.

Paul has been drawn to Celia for as long as he can remember, and she is finally giving him a chance to show her how he feels. But when Celia can’t stop worrying everything will fall apart, and when things in Paul’s own life take a turn for the worse, can they learn to rely on each other?

Review:

Having read and reviewed Lora's work which is the first book of The Junpier Series called The Edge Of Junpier and fell in love I was more than happy and honoured to read Junpier Limits. This time we follow Paul and Celia throughout the book, watching their friendship strengthen and blossom.

I was so happy to be back in Juniper and seeing who felt like old friends, this story takes place so close to where The Edge Of Junpier ended and it all fitted so well. Celia's father Tedd is staying sober after being within the hold of alcohol for so long which we got to see in the previous book. it was ice to finally have faith in Tedd and wish he would follow the sobriety all the way through. At the end of the previous book we find out that after leaving Junpier, Fay is moving back and the trio she left behind are excited for her to return. All the while Paul is trying hard to show Celia how much he cares for her and he means it all but Celia doubts him all the way having struggled with trust for a long time.

It's beautiful to watch them both blossom with each other, I knew in the previous book that Paul cared and he was being true. Paul is a breath of fresh air. He isn't a bad boy, just a funny and cheery guy who is persistent in his pursuit of the only girl he's set on getting, but much like Celia his life isn't perfect and my heart really goes out to him, he's caring and sympathetic and yet he's strong and way beyond his years.

What struck me (yet again) about Juniper Limits is how realistic it feels. The dialogue and humor shared between Celia and Paul was so true and relalistic. When it came to how Celia dealt with the stress at home, her reactions felt so believable. Between the sadly true to life situations Celia and Paul were dealing with, Celia's reluctance to trust not only Paul but anyone, and Paul's conflicted feelings about his mother, there was a feeling of authenticity that ran throughout the book. Richardson perfectly captured Celia's tough outer shell, her constant worry, her fear to hope for better, and the shred of hope she allowed herself to feel anyway.

I don't think I can score any lower than 5/5 here, Lora has blown me away again and it was incredible to be able to see their faces and Juniper once again. I went through so many emotions whilst reading this book, all of them with the characters and that just shows you how great Lora writes. It was sad to have to leave them behind when I closed the eBook but I hope ill be seeing them again sometime.

Style (The OTP Series) - Chelsea M. Cameron

Synopsis:

Kyle Blake likes plans. So far, they’re pretty simple: Finish her senior year of high school, head off to a good college, find a cute boyfriend, graduate, get a good job, get married, the whole heterosexual shebang. Nothing is going to stand in the way of that plan. Not even Stella Lewis.

Stella Lewis also has a plan: Finish her senior year as cheer captain, go to college, finally let herself flirt with (and maybe even date) a girl for the first time and go from there.

Fate has other plans for Kyle and Stella when they’re paired up in their AP English class and something between them ignites. It’s confusing and overwhelming and neither of them know what to do about it. One thing they do know is that their connection can’t be ignored. The timing just isn’t right.

But is there ever a good time for falling in love?

Review:

So a little while ago Chelsea was looking for people to review this lovely book and I just couldn't say no. Although I wont be releasing what she was looking for specifically as I don't feel its very important, I am releasing that I have no regrets enquiring about getting a copy of the book.

We follow 2 beautiful characters, both very different but extraordinary to me. Kyle is all about getting through high school and heading off to a good college where she'll date boys and then graduate, get a job, get married and all of the heterosexual stereotyped things, she loves hr plans so when Stella Lewis comes into the picture starting to rip up Kyles plans she has no idea what to do or how to act. Stella is the cheer captain and she cant wait to finish high school and head off to college where she can finally be herself and date a girl and go on from there. These characters are truly beautiful, very different from each other but the forces just pull them together.

The plot is as amazing as the characters alone, it develops at such a perfect rate I couldn't put it down, page after page I'm begging for the characters to just get together and as a reader you're begging for it to just happen and get it over with and I'm just internally screaming throughout because the characters are perfect for each other, meant for each other I just couldn't cope. I'm sucker for love like this when its so accurately portrayed like it was, the love didn't suddenly happen or instantaneous love it was developed from 2 people just not wanting to be around each other to them never wanting to be apart from one another.

Throughout the story we get to see all sides of the characters, there are no secrets or information we don't know about them it's just a fully open and well portrayed tale of 2 girls discovering themselves and falling in love. It's all so realistic and true that I can't cope, people don't tend to understand that in a same sex relationship or discovering yourself and coming to terms with what you find out that its not as simple as it sounds, its nerve wrecking and confusing but its beautiful and a weight off of your shoulders.

As a whole this book blew me away, I was so happy and full of joy when the end of the book came, I'd love to see more of both of these characters because of just how great and real they were. It's LGBTQ+ and it's completely beautiful, its a 5/5 from me and although there's a lot of swearing within the book and there is some sexual content it still makes for a great read and is quite easy to get through in a single day if you have the time. I recommend this book for literally anyone who feels as though they are alone in trying to figure themselves out and literally everyone else.

To Provence, With Love by T. A. Williams Blog Tour

Information about the Book

Title: To Provence, With Love

Author: T. A. Williams

Release Date: 12^th July 2017

Genre: Romance

Publisher: HQ Digital

Format: Ebook

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35438059-to-provence-with-love

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0711T5LQC

Summary:

Escape to the south of France with this perfect feel-good summer romance.

Anything is possible…

Struggling writer Faye Carter just can’t believe her luck. She’s off to Provence to write the autobiography of a famous film star and she’ll be staying in the stunning chateau!

So when she meets charming (and completely gorgeous) lavender farmer, Gavin, she knows that she’s made the right choice – even if glamourous, elderly Anabelle seems to be hiding something…

But when the sun is shining, the food is delicious and the air smells of honey, anything seems possible. Will the magic of Provence help Faye finally find a happy-ever-after of her own?

Review:

For some reason I was really looking forward to reading this book, I don't usually read lot or any books from the Romance genre but this book has definitely got me re-thinking that. I really didn't have any expectations going into this book but I have no regrets.

We follow Faye Carter who is a language teacher who loves what she does, but is beginning to find it hard to love it under the pressure and even more so since the school gets a new Head and she had discovered that her partner had been cheating on her.

Our lovely Faye has already got a book published and is blown away when she is contacted by solicitors and offered the amazing opportunity to work with a famous film star called Annabelle Beech, and write her biography. It turns out this will come with being able to stay in a beautiful chateau for 6 months she can't believe her luck or the salary that comes with it. A visit to the chateau for an interview gives her the courage she needs to retire her role at the school and make the move to Provence. Upon her arrival she makes a best friend almost immediately in the form of a beautiful black Labrador called Marlon,who belongs to Miss Beech. It's obvious from the start that Marlon is a close friend who will be there for her all the way, mostly down tot he fact when usually in the company of strangers, Marlon usually barks viciously so their calm and instant bond is bound to last a very long time.

The area of Provence of which is where most of this story takes place is brought brilliantly to life, especially the countryside, it sights and the sounds and people of which Faye discovers whilst taking Marlon for the walks she enjoys. He also re-introduces her to his brother George, and his owner Gavin, whom she had a very brief interaction with early in the story on her way to the interview. Gavin lives at the neighbouring farm, he's a very appealing character but beyond his image he is still grieving from personal tragedies which you as a reader makes you feel even more drawn to him to comfort him.

Williams slowly but surely reveals more about the character which Faye gets to know and interact with, sharing knowledge at a pace which is realistic which makes the whole thing all that more believable. The interactions between Faye and the numerous characters which makes you as a reader alongside the characters fell a whole spectrum of emotions at different times and you’re aware there are secrets being kept by so many of them and you're waiting for them to be revealed.

The whole community is brought to life, its sounds so peaceful, calm and relaxing bringing story of loves, past and present, relationships, grief and new beginnings.Williams skilfully brings everything to life; the people, places, community and food, making them beyond real in the imagination of any of his readers. I have no negative about this book and I'd definitely have no issue with recommending this book. As this is the first work of T.A.Williams that I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed it and will be looking into reading many more, no hesitating in giving this book a 5/5. Everything felt so real to me and I must admit in the local book store I saw a book title 'Provence' and the cover had lavender fields on and I couldn't help but take a photo and flick through the pages.

Author Information

I write under the androgynous name T A Williams because 65% of books are read by women. In my first book, "Dirty Minds" one of the (female) characters suggests the imbalance is due to the fact that men spend too much time getting drunk and watching football. I couldn't possibly comment. Ask my wife...

I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely writing humour and romance. Romantic comedies are what we all need from time to time. Life isn’t always very fair. It isn’t always a lot of fun, but when it is, we need to embrace it. If my books can put a smile on your face and maybe give your heartstrings a tug, then I know I’ve done my job.

I‘ve lived all over Europe, but now I live in a little village in sleepy Devon, tucked away in south west England. I love the place. That’s why you’ll find leafy lanes and thatched cottages in most of my books. Oh, yes, and a black Labrador.

I've been writing since I was 14 and that is half a century ago. However, underneath this bald, wrinkly exterior, there beats the heart of a youngster. My wife is convinced I will never grow up. I hope she's right.

Website: http://www.tawilliamsbooks.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TAWilliamsbooks

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks

Tour Schedule 

Shadows and Lies (Carson Reno Mystery Series Book 16) - Gerald W. Darnell

Synopsis:

All Carson Reno Mystery Series Books are standalone novels. It is not necessary to read them in any particular order.

What happens when a rich client, three beautiful women, a shifty businessman, a gambler and a missing spouse are all suspected of murder? The results are a merry-go-round of shadows and lies in a house of cards with clues almost as old as Carson.

Greed, blackmail, infidelity, murder, serial killers and a twenty year old crime spin a tale that is practically unbelievable – with the truth masked behind a story that nobody wants told.
This old fashion ‘whodunit’ takes Carson Reno and his crew on a complicated adventure, which has too many victims and too many suspects.

Come along and help Carson find the clues and discover the truth as he tries to make sense of all the Shadows and Lies.

Review:

Going into this book I knew great things were going to happen as ive read on Carson Reno Mystery books before and I loved it and this book definitely lived up to the last book of Gerald's book that I read. I love the fact that it is still as fast paced as I remember the series being, as soon as I begun reading I was pulled into the drama and it was great. Some may be concerned that you wont be able to make sense of all that was going on as this book is a part of a series ( Carson Reno Mystery Series) but as Gerald explained this book stands alone and everything ended up being crystal clear easily understandable.

The pictures involved in the pages of the book were really nice and a great change from the usual block of text. I like how not only they split up the text but also helped you imagine the story unfolding in these places because after all each and every one of the photos were of either places or of objects used in the story which helped enhance the overall immersion.

There were many characters within this story, they're easily remembered and I have to admit they are captivating characters, each of them involved within this story are portrayed so well it's hard to not become attached to them. They are all very strong and powerful characters who are all very different from the other. I don't want to name or describe any of them because I feel that doing that with these books takes away some of the magic. Darnell manages to bring each of them to life and makes them truly unforgettable.

The plot was very much a great one, it was a very well thought out and well written. I didn't see any of this plot happening, it was much of a surprise to me as it was the characters. There are so many moments where you have to sit back and try joining the dots, I failed miserably of course so come near the end of the book and I'm on the edge of my seat just begging to know the secrets hidden within the story, when the whole thing is told I sat back in amazement having not seen it coming the conclusion just blew me away, I wish I had managed to join some of the dots if I'm honest. Although to some the plot may seen far fetched or whatever, it's very gripping and brilliantly written. 

I have to give this book a 5/5 I'd feel horrendous and it would feel very wrong for me to mark it anything else. It was truly brilliant and gripping all the way through. There are no negatives from me.

The Fourth Monkey Killer - J.D Barker

Synopsis:

The most anticipated thriller of the year - Optioned for both film and television

Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called, “A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind.”

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive.

As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.

With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.

Synopsis:

This book made its way to me after a very lovely email that was in my inbox, it intrigued me from the very start of the email and I really couldn't say no, it was well, right up my street. Once it got here though, I planned to read it closer to the date of when I planned to review it. It actually took a trip with me to Southampton on the 1st of June and I read maybe 10 pages on the coach on my way back home on the 2nd of June, I was hooked but because of the coach I wasn't comfortable enough to want to carry on so I simply read the 400 pages in 1 sitting the following day with zero shame.

Gripped from the get go I probably spent the majority of my time open mouthed because things caught me of guard. I'm going to try and not give away too much so that may mean that this review is short compared to the others but I'm going to push it as far as I can.

Unusually the beginning of the book well, tells of the death of The Fourth Monkey Killer, he happened to me on his way to post a clue to his final victim which the police know all about but this discovery quickly puts the team in action to find the victim before it's too late. The book takes on 3 points of view, one is that of Detective Sam Porter, the second point of view is a Diary of The Fourth Monkey Killer which Sam reads and the the final point of view of the final victim of the Killer.

The Fourth Monkey Killer is a killer that has terrorised Chicago over the last 5 years. When we think of it we are all familiar with the three monkeys; hear no evil (monkey covering ears), see no evil (monkey covering eyes), speak no evil (monkey covering mouth). For a small amount of time to my knowledge it we have no idea why he is called The Fourth Monkey and what it represents but son enough we do and it represents 'do no evil' which when you think about it, coming from a person who has killed numerous people, it's a contradiction of sorts.

Throughout the book we follow each point of view, each more thrilling and gripping and just making you need to carry on reading, It's gruesome, to some it's probably distressing and at points unbearable. An utterly gripping storyline, exceptionally graphic, and definitely not for the squeamish or weak stomached if I should say. It played with my emotions for sure and was really impossible to put down.

I don't think I can shout my praise any louder for this book, so many twists and unexpected points, I probably swore in surprise several times throughout, there's no way this book cant get lower than a 5/5 from me, I can definitely see it being a big crime/thriller of this year, I really hope some fans of those genres pick it up and read it because you definitely wont regret it.

Chasing Eveline - Leslie Hauser

Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Ivy Higgins is the only student at Carmel Heights High School who listens to cassettes. And her binder is the only one decorated with album artwork by 80s band Chasing Eveline. Despite being broken-up since 1989, this rock band out of Ireland means everything to Ivy. They’re a reminder of her mom, who abandoned Ivy and her dad two years ago. Now the music of her mom’s favorite band is the only connection she has left.

Even though Ivy wavers between anger and a yearning to reconnect, she’s one-hundred percent certain she’s not ready to lose her mom forever. But the only surefire way to locate her would be at a Chasing Eveline concert. So with help from her lone friend Matt—an equally abandoned soul and indie music enthusiast—Ivy hatches a plan to reunite the band.

The road to Ireland won’t be easy, though. And not just because there is no road. Along the way they’ll have to win over their Lady Gaga-loving peers, tangle with some frisky meerkats, and oh yeah, somehow find and persuade the four members to play a reunion gig. It’s a near-impossible task, but Ivy has to try. If she can’t let go of the past, she’ll never be able to find joy in the present.

Review:

Chasing Eveline is the story of a 16 year old girl named Ivy, one day her mother got up and just left her, leaving her to be raised by her father even though he himself is dealing with the loss and abandonment.

Ivy has only 1 connection  with her mom and that is through her mom's favourite band from the 80s called Chasing Eveline. All of the songs take her to a place with her mother where the memories are fresh and they are happy.

Together with her friend Matt who himself is struggling with a break up, try to get Chasing Eveline back together and they try to get the band new love from teenagers in creative ways and it made my heart melt how determined they both are in these activities because it was just that important to them. In the end they meet a boy named Sean who they quickly become friends with due to his love for the band too. Up to this point as a reader you really don't know which way this book is going and let me tell you there's plot twists in there.

The best part of this entire book to me was that it was a realistic story told about a teen girl dealing with pain and grief. She was strong in her broken heartedness. She was strong and determined and so real. The ending of the book was perfect, I mean they struggle hard throughout so any sort of reward at the end was going to be worth it but the end was such a great reward for them. Its a story of friendship and love, family and acknowledgment and acceptance. Just pure brilliance.

I feel as though this is YA novel that anyone can read no matter their age. Its heart warming and heart breaking, food for the soul, sewn together with love and written so perfectly. I cried and laughed, I experienced emotions with these characters and their lives, a great book does this and Leslie has done an amazing job here.

For all of this alone it is a 5/5 from me and a recommendation to anyone, I believe there is so much more for me to say but I can't quite put it into perfect enough words to express it. I really hope that I can read more of Leslies work in the future because Chasing Eveline with stay with me.

Esper Files -Egan Brass

Synopsis:

Set in London during the latter part of the 19th century. An experiment goes wrong at The Oxford Academy of Science, giving certain people extraordinary powers which turns them into 'Espers'. An institute is set up to teach Espers how to control these power, and stop corrupt Espers from abusing theirs. Nathan and James, two agents from the Institute team up with Freya, a young Esper whose brother (gifted with the strange ability to manipulate emotions) is abducted by a ruthless Baron. The group has to fight against a dark threat to protect the fragile peace of Victorian London... And the rest of the world.

Review:

This book is the first in a series called Esper Files,  we first start off with a prologue which shows us the experiment that goes wrong in the late 19th century. It immediately grips you and you begin to wonder what the outcome of it all would be even more so if you haven't read the synopsis (which some people don't) The experiment that goes wrong goes down in history as the Great Storm, on that day unlike the character nicknamed The Professor intended, the world changed.

We are then introduced to Nathan who is our main character, he is witty, sarcastic, intelligent and enthusiastic. I imagine him being a very wonderful human being if he was actually real and in my life. We also meet James who is a character of colour who is a supporting character who really is just as important as Nathan. They both have developed powers thanks to the Great Storm and are now working with a place called The Institute that helps Espers control their powers and also stop corrupt Espers from abusing their powers.

You're pretty much pushed right into the action, no dilly dallying around with building up everything because the ways its written does that just perfectly in half the time. We see the so called 'villain' of the book called The Baron who captures a young Esper by the name of Siren and take him away from his sister Freya as he plans to steal the sirens power for himself. Before you know it, Nathan and James are coming to Siren's rescue.

We do see many perspectives on the side of the main perspective provided by Nathan, we see those of The Baron, Shadow ( a ruthless assassin) as well as the perspectives of The Siren and his older sister Freya, all of which help bulk out the story.The setting of the story being in old time London really helped me get immersed in it as I can easily imagine an old London rather than a far fetched super robotic futuristic London.  I really fell in love with the characters, the storyline, the action and the writing as a whole. It was a super easy read, it took me just 2 days I believe and I was left not only waning more but needing more.

The members of The Institute act like a single person, they are somewhat a huge family. Thinking about it now I can see themes likes the corruption of power and greed and the whole family theme which is strong and easily idolised. Its an easy 5/5 for me and I can easily recommend it to anyone around me within a 10 mile radius. Immersive, quick and action packed read.

City of Buried Ghosts (Elisenda Domènech Investigations #2) - Chris Lloyd

Synopsis:

Be careful what you dig up… Still recovering from the tragedy that hit her team, Elisenda takes on a new case. Except it’s not new. On an archaeological dig by the coast a body is uncovered, seemingly executed with a spike thrust through the base of the skull – an ancient tribal ritual. It soon becomes clear that this body is neither ancient nor modern, but a mysterious corpse from the 1980s.

Assigned to the case along with her team, Elisenda soon uncovers a complex world of star archaeologists, jealousy and missing persons. They find a dark trade in illicit antiquities, riddled with vicious professional rivalries. And even though she’s staying close to the crime scene, Elisenda is also never far from enemies of her own within the police force.

Just as the case seems to become clear it is blown wide-open by another horrific murder. Elisenda must fight her personal demons and office politics, whilst continuing to uncover plots and hatreds that were long buried. How far will she go to solve the crime? Is her place in the force secure? And can she rebuild her life?

Review:

So this book takes places many months after the first instalment and its clear straight away that Elisenda is still struggling with her demons and that the rest of her team are still trying to cope with the betrayal and loss of one of their team members. As stated in the synopsis, the team end up with a cold case and then a fresh case both just as gory and very disturbing. This story is about the archaeological world and its unseen dark side. It explores the issue of stolen archaeological artefacts which somehow ties into two murders committed over thirty years apart.

The plot really is great, I love how much detail Chris uses as it keep you engaged and leaves you wanting to actually go an visit the setting itself. The more I read the further I fall in love with the series, I fell further in love with the members of the team after I got to know them a little bit more. Part of me really does just want to wrap them up in cotton wool and keep them safe. Elisenda is still strong and independent and smart and she still has not issue with standing up for what she believes in no matter what which I really love, I hope that soon she can fight off her demons and have all the happiness she deserves. Alex is still haunted by his experience from the last book and I really feel for him as you can really se how deeply it has effected him, its changed his character and it actually made me sad. All Elisenda wants is for the old Alex she knows to return but he doubts that he ever will. I feel like Josep and Montse are the ruts of the litter, like they are giving the long and draining parts of the investigations, doing a lot of research and fiddly things, they do their job well and with their characters doing it, it really helps paint a picture of them and how hard working they are.

I don't really want to give too much detail on the story because this story is one of those that can lose its touch if one thing is spoilt. What I can say is though you need to settle down and hold on tight because there are twists you can not see coming. You can try and figure it out like I tried to, I have faith you might do better than I did because I wasn't even close. I feel like you should try your best to remember every character you see in the span of this book just so you can get a clearer picture of everything and trust me it will help you understand.

You easily get absorbed in the story and can really believe you're involved. I cant even think of a bad thing about this book, not this time. I didn't really know what to expect going into the book but I really loved what I got when I was there. its a 5 out of 5 from me and I really cant wait to see what Chris has in store for Elisenda and her team in City of Drowned Souls which I will be moving on to read in the near future.

I have to recommend this to any crime/thriller reader, I don't feel like youd have to read the first instalment but if you want to get to really know the characters, reading it would be best.

Sweetpea - C.J Skuse

Synopsis:

The last person who called me ‘Sweetpea’ ended up dead…

I haven’t killed anyone for three years and I thought that when it happened again I’d feel bad. Like an alcholic taking a sip of whisky. But no. Nothing. I had a blissful night’s sleep. Didn’t wake up at all. And for once, no bad dream either. This morning I feel balanced. Almost sane, for once.

Rhiannon is your average girl next door, settled with her boyfriend and little dog…but she’s got a killer secret.
Although her childhood was haunted by a famous crime, Rhinannon’s life is normal now that her celebrity has dwindled. By day her job as an editorial assistant is demeaning and unsatisfying. By evening she dutifully listens to her friend’s plans for marriage and babies whilst secretly making a list.

A kill list.
From the man on the Lidl checkout who always mishandles her apples, to the driver who cuts her off on her way to work, to the people who have got it coming, Rhiannon’s ready to get her revenge.

Because the girl everyone overlooks might be able to get away with murder…

Review:

I have to say all opinions within this review are mine and I thank Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a Ebook copy in return I am to write a 100% truthful review..

I hadn't actually heard much about this book before I got a copy via Netgalley, so I can pretty much say I was looking forward to see what it was all about after such a promising synopsis. Its written pretty much like a diary, but unlike most diary style written books it isn't day by day every day for like 4 weeks, its broken up so it could be written for 3 days in a row and then miss 2 days, its broken up nicely that way and gives you a sense of Rhiannon having what is pretty much a normal life, one where the days are sometimes the same, nothing new and completely uninteresting.

Rhiannon is our main character and hell do I absolutely adore her, there was an instantaneous sort of attraction I guess? towards her, it was instant love I guess. Her friends are unescapable and beyond annoying to me just like I guess they're supposed to be written? I had so many moments throughout the book where I just had to pause and go 'I feel you Rhiannon' like we were on the same wavelength the majority of the time. she's sarcastic, truthful, an actress beyond Oscar worthy, a sociopath without boundaries and ideas and utterly a great character. Shout out to Craig who is Rhiannon' boyfriend, I'm so happy there isn't anyone in my life like him because id probably end up 100% like Rhiannon. He's not exactly likable because he's written in that light but it doesn't even matter because under any other light he's still an unlikable character. Also shout out to AJ who's I fell for instantly, I don't know how but it happened and I don't regret it either. Each supporting character was great besides the fact they were not. They were part fuel for the fire as well as a few people who quite frankly deserve what they got in the

Being an editorial assistant isn't exactly thrilling for our MP but she's very willing to tell you that. Things do liven up when AJ comes into the office to work with his auntie for a short while before he's set to go off travelling again and you cant help but feel the sort of fracture in the boring workplace feeling that Rhiannon has endured until AJ waltzes in with a perfect butt. Things are far from perfect for our MP too, she cant help but dwell on her urges of murdering people, its no secret that she well, loves it. She has a troubled childhood and upbringing really, I think that part of her behaviour and her looks towards certain people and things are a result of her past but the other part of me is sure that besides that, she really does enjoy what she does, she prides herself on it and it helps her stay feeling good. Fair enough she acts out in gruesome ways, to a degree I may have given a small chuckle here and there (shout out canal man) and at several points in my life so far have I encountered people like those upon Rhiannon's kill list that she usually updates each diary entry, they're sometimes funny but completely justified, to an extent of course.

I love how easily the plot unravels, there are points where you can see something coming and you're right but for the most part it was quite nice just to sit back and run with it. If you cant handle gore or any graphic content to any degree this book isn't for you, if you cant deal with sex scenes to any degree this isn't for you, explicit language not your thing? yup this book isn't either. I was completely fine with all of it well to a degree I didn't go off like thrilled by the gore or fantasizing about it or anything I mean in the sense of it didn't make me uncomfortable or freaked out. It was all tolerable.

This book really took turns I didn't really see coming and I'm not going to put any spoilers up in here so all I have to say is if you can handle the violence and the language and can easily agree with people in your everyday life that do the smallest thing that pisses you right off you definitely need to read this book. It hope that in the future we do get to see more of Rhiannon and the rest of the crew. I did declare just minute after finishing this book that I was off to slam my head in the fridge door because I needed more from C.J Skuse, she was pleased with that and that's utterly fantastic. its an easy 5/5 from me an di hope you can enjoy it too if you ever get around to reading it.

Summary Justice by John Fairfax

Synopsis:

The last time Tess de Vere saw William Benson she was a law student on work experience. He was a twenty-one
year old, led from the dock of the Old Bailey to begin a life sentence for murder. He’d said he was innocent. She’d believed him.
Sixteen years later Tess overhears a couple of hacks mocking a newcomer to the London Bar, a no-hoper with a murder conviction, running his own show from an old fishmonger’s in Spitalfields. That night she walks back into Benson’s life. The price of his rehabilitation – and access to the Bar – is an admission of guilt to the killing of Paul Harbeton, whose family have vowed revenge.
He’s an outcast. The government wants to shut him down and no solicitor will instruct him. But he’s subsidised by a mystery benefactor and a desperate woman has turned to him for help: Sarah Collingstone, mother of a child with special needs, accused of slaying her wealthy lover.
It’s a hopeless case and the murder trial, Benson’s first, starts in four days. The evidence is overwhelming but like Benson long ago, she swears she’s innocent. Tess joins the defence team, determined to help Benson survive. But as Benson follows the twists and turns in the courtroom, Tess embarks upon a secret investigation of her own, determined to uncover the truth behind the death of Paul Harbeton on a lonely night in Soho.
True to life, fast-paced and absolutely compelling, Summary Justice introduces a new series of courtroom dramas featuring two maverick lawyers driven to fight injustice at any cost.


Review:

I really love Law and wished I had gone to study it at A Level and taken it further. I love to explore crimes and pick up every detail I can and then try to figure out what truly happened. So it was great to read about Law being practiced where lives and families depend on the outcome. 11 years of prison Benson is released on probation after being sentenced to life after being convicted of murder, but all the way he's claimed innocence and challenged the law by practicing it, going on to set up his own chambers as no one wants a convicted murderer enforcing law under their name.

Back when William Benson was being sentenced he has Tess De Vere by his side, she believed him when he claimed his innocence so when she finally hears he stuck to his promise they made in the holding cell before he received his sentence, Tess can not help herself and ends up drawn back into Williams life once again, joining his defence team on his first major case. The evidence alone already convicts Will's client but with so many angles to examine and play can he and his team figure anything out that can turn it in the other direction?

It was brilliant how easily I was able to fall into the world of John Fairfax's creation. I would easily be reading massive amounts of the pages before realising what time its been and having to call it a night because I've ben absorbed so well. The narration throughout the book is simple but powerful which was one point that really helped me return to the book. I've recently been reading quite a few crime/thrillers and this of for sure is different, very unique but yet just as great.

The characters helped make the more even more addictive besides the plot. Each character John created was fascinating, each of them has a full background which brings just that little bit more to the world. William Benson is one of those characters, he is clearly driven, passionate and strong but he is also the flipside, weak and secretive. All the things that keep you reading as you try to find out more about him and what has actually happened to him. Then there's Tess who is a vibrant character and also very strong-willed, every part of me just wants to know the ins and outs of their pasts.

The main reason that Benson and Tess have re-familiarized themselves with each other is the case, it's a difficult one, not so clean cut and there are some many angles in play. John really keeps all of his characters and his readers guessing as it all unfolds. It's hard to try and figure it out alone, you end up wondering that with so many angle to play if it will all be resolved in this book or not. And for that answer alone, you'll have to read to find out.

Its easily a 5/5 from me, the book just exceeded my expectations of brilliance, I cant wait to see more of Benson and De Vere, they were a great working partnership. Anyone who loves crime books and law defiantly need to read this, its 100% different to anything you've read so far.

Blog Tour: Summary Justice by John Fairfax

So today is my stop on the book tour for Summary Justice by John Fairfax. Ill be giving information and then doing a mini review for all of you which will then be a full review on Saturday.

So lets get to it, here's all you need to know about Summary Justice.

The last time Tess de Vere saw William Benson she was a law student on work experience. He was a twenty-one
year old, led from the dock of the Old Bailey to begin a life sentence for murder. He’d said he was innocent. She’d believed him.


Sixteen years later Tess overhears a couple of hacks mocking a newcomer to the London Bar, a no-hoper with a murder conviction, running his own show from an old fishmonger’s in Spitalfields. That night she walks back into Benson’s life. The price of his rehabilitation – and access to the Bar – is an admission of guilt to the killing of Paul Harbeton, whose family have vowed revenge.

He’s an outcast. The government wants to shut him down and no solicitor will instruct him. But he’s subsidised by a mystery benefactor and a desperate woman has turned to him for help: Sarah Collingstone, mother of a child with special needs, accused of slaying her wealthy lover.

It’s a hopeless case and the murder trial, Benson’s first, starts in four days. The evidence is overwhelming but like Benson long ago, she swears she’s innocent. Tess joins the defence team, determined to help Benson survive. But as Benson follows the twists and turns in the courtroom, Tess embarks upon a secret investigation of her own, determined to uncover the truth behind the death of Paul Harbeton on a lonely night in Soho.

True to life, fast-paced and absolutely compelling, Summary Justice introduces a new series of courtroom dramas featuring two maverick lawyers driven to fight injustice at any cost.

Goodreads   Amazon

My Thoughts:

First of all I want to say that it was brilliant how easily I was able to fall into the world of John Fairfax's creation. I would easily be reading massive amounts of the pages before realising what time its been and having to call it a night because I've ben absorbed so well. The narration throughout the book is simple but powerful which was one point that really helped me return to the book. I've recently been reading quite a few crime/thrillers and this of for sure is different, very unique but yet just as great.

The characters helped make the more even more addictive besides the plot. Each character John created was fascinating, each of them has a full background which brings just that little bit more to the world. William Benson is one of those characters, he is clearly driven, passionate and strong but he is also the flipside, weak and secretive. All the things that keep you reading as you try to find out more about him and what has actually happened to him. Then there's Tess who is a vibrant character and also very strong-willed, every part of me just wants to know the ins and outs of their pasts.

The main reason that Benson and Tess have re-familiarized themselves with each other is the case, it's a difficult one, not so clean cut and there are some many angles in play. John really keeps all of his characters and his readers guessing as it all unfolds. It's hard to try and figure it out alone, you end up wondering that with so many angle to play if it will all be resolved in this book or not. And for that answer alone, you'll have to read to find out.

About the Author:

John Fairfax is the pen name of William Brodrick who practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist. Under his own name he is a previous winner of the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award and his first novel was a Richard and Judy Selection.

                              Don't forget to check out everyone else's stop on the blog tour.

The Academy Introductions (The Ghost Bird #1) - C.L.Stone

Synopsis:

With an agoraphobic mother and a barely-there father, Sang abhors the isolation keeping her in the shadows. The only thing Sang craves is a fresh start and to be accepted as ordinary by her peers, because for her being different meant being cast out alone.

When her family moves to a new school district, Sang infiltrates a group of boys nearly perfect in every way. Grateful for an influence outside of her parents’ negativity, she quickly bonds with the boys, hoping to blend in and learn from them what it means to have a natural relationship with friends.

Only the boys have secrets of their own and they’ll do anything to keep her safe from the knowledge of the mysterious Academy that they've sworn allegiance to. Bit by bit, Sang discovers that her friends are far from the normalcy she expected. Will her loyalty change when she's forced to remain in the dark, or will she accept that she's traded one house of secrets for another?

Meet Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North in a story about differences and loyalty, truth and mystery, friendships and heart-throbbing intimacy.

The Academy, ever vigilant.

Review:

So I actually read this book as the first book for the All We Know Book Club that I  created late last year.

Automatically I was drawn into Sang' world, I really fell for all of the characters, like I really felt like they were all genuine and kind and everything we all need in someone nowadays. (I'm jealous don't judge.) For some reason I automatically connected with Sang, she's been taught all of her life that strangers are out to harm you but as she soon discovers, that is wrong for the most part. She first meets Kota who I automatically fell in love with, he seemed like a real gentlemen, much like the rest of friends that Sang later meets.

I know quite a few people had a lot of bad things to say about this book. really it was just them saying the same thing over and over. C.L Stone wrote 'I usually write about cute boys and uncomfortable situations' EVERYONE IN THE MAJORITY OF THE BOOK WERE CUTE! people hated the amount of mushy love sort of things going on but for some really odd reason, I loved it nearly too much, it made me smile and laugh and internally cry. (is my jealousy still showing?)

Throughout the story, there are obvious signs of secrets between the boys that Sang cant know about and it really intrigued me because of how they were acting about it all. In the end we do get a little of information about it, just enough and in time to make you want, or more like need to read the next instalment. Stone definitely created an awing bunch of characters and atmosphere and everything else like as you can probably tell, I'm finding it extremely hard to explain everything. I loved how the story unravelled and how the boys basically cared for Sang, the way her parents should, showing how friendships should go.

I must declare that the book is called introductions and it really is just that! each character is bought in and explored, then just as the end of the book comes, they're all shovelled into the beginning of what I hope to be an good plot that is yet for me to read about? In all honestly I'm not even sure what to expect from any of the next books but I really need them in my life. Trust me this review makes zero sense and I'm sorry for that, but I cant explain the book without ruining the book and I don't want to do that and secondly I'm so addicted that I could actually bounce off every wall right now and third of all I'm in need of a very large chill pill to calm down the tingling of jealousy.

Its a 5 out of 5 for what it was but I crave more, like really, I do. I loved the integrations between characters and see I'm babbling again. but yes 5/5 from me and I cant wait to read more and

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare ~ Review

Hi! I'm Sophie, a friend of Charlie's. She has had a few difficulties with finishing her current read in time for this weeks review and has accidentally read a book which she can't actually review until a little later on in the year. I have offered to help her out by providing this weeks review so that you guys have something to read. Go easy on me, i'm new to the whole review business. Also; this is going to be a quick review because i did write a pretty in depth one but then it didn't save and i'm pretty much screaming at my computer screen as i type.

Book Summary: 
In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, while her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will - the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers to who she is and what she was born to do? As their search for the truth leads the three friends into peril, Tessa's heart is increasingly torn, especially when one of their own betrays them.

Review:

Firstly, i would like to say that anybody who enjoys Fantasy and historical fiction will definitely enjoy this book. It's set in Victorian London and involves; Angels, Demons, Warlocks, Vampires, Faeries and Werewolves. It is a very suspenseful book which sent my emotions running high. I was angry because of a certain traitor, happy because of Charlotte and Henry's news at the end and also for Will because of finally finding out the truth behind his curse with the help of Magnus Bane. About two pages after this happened however, i was sobbing into my pillow for reasons that i won't go into because i don't exactly want to spoil anything. 

The whole thing is full of relatable problems, whether that being love or wondering whether you're putting your trust into the right people. it also hits up on a topic that has been very big lately; that being women's rights and equality. Charlotte Branwell is the head of the London Institute but her authority is being put into question by another Shadowhunter; Benedict Lightwood. She fights to keep her place as the head and does everything she can to prove that women can be just as strong and prove themselves as just a good a leader as any man. Unlike the first book 'Clockwork Angel' we actually head out of London and visit Yorkshire with Tessa, Will and Jem in Charlotte's favour. They're trying to figure out where Mortmain is and to do that, they all have to do immense research. Will finds something in Yorkshire that sets his nerves on edge and it definitely reflects on the reader too. I found myself worried that Will was going to do something stupid and then happy for him in a way.

There were also times where i was internally screaming at the book because of Tessa. In a way, i found her kind of annoying in this book, where i hadn't in the first. I'm not sure whether that is because Will is my favourite character in the whole series and she was being kind of rude to him (I know he deserved it), but whatever the reason is, i can't put my finger on it. I have just started reading Clockwork Princess and she isn't annoying me as much in this so maybe it was just a phase. However. i still would recommend this book to anyone a fan of all things Shadowhunters.

I think what i'm trying to say in this review is that there are lot of problems that hit really close to home which is why  believe it is a really successful book. I'm going to give Clockwork Prince a 5/5 stars, just for the simple fact that i could not put the book down, no matter how tired i became or how early in the morning it got. I highly recommend this book to anybody who is already a fan of the Shadowhunter world or even if you simply like fantasy books. It's definitely one of my favourite reads. Again, i'm sorry this was such a short review but my last one didn't save.

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I've Added To My To-Be-Read List Lately

What I'm basically going to do is list all the books I have that I want to read as soon as possible.

Esper Files - Egan Brass

Cardiac - Jeffrey Monaghan

The Unadjusteds - Marisa Blagden

The Rest Of Us Jist Live Here - Patrick Ness 

Atlantis Gene Trilogy - A.G.Riddle

Always With Love - Giovanna Fletcher

Maze Runner Series - James Dashner

Am I Normal Yet and How Hard Can Love Be? - Holly Bourne

On The Other Side - Carrie Hope Fletcher

Eden Summer - Liz Flanagan

The Girl on The Train - Paula Hawkins

Books 7-10 in the True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse series - Charlaine Harris

New Guard - Robert Muchamore

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke And The Bookish.