Tag: Book Review

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Books On Tour: Snow Creek

No sense in beating around the bush: this book is one of the most well-crafted thrillers I have read. There is so much to unpack that it is hard to know where to start. I guess the best place to begin is by saying this is a must-read!

It had it all: a tormented protagonist who uses her job to assuage a troubled past, a twisted crime that is nowhere near open and shut in a location that is almost a character itself, and side stories that keep the pace moving at rapid-page-turning speed.

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Amazon: https://geni.us/B07XSB35SSSocial  
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2men9nf
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lS0LQ8.
Googleplay: http://bit.ly/2lQLE9G

Snow Creek is where people go to live off-the-grid, away from society and its laws, which results in a whole lot of lawlessness. But the author does a fantastic job of not allowing the reader to know precisely what is going on at any given point; just when I thought I understood something, another piece of information came to light, making me question it.

Not going to lie, it is difficult to review this book without giving specifics away because this is one time that secondary plot threads and character backstories are just as twisted as the main plot.

The author also does a phenomenal job of weaving everything together so that hints pop up in one place, referring to another plotline, and clues are revealed when the reader least expects them.

I particularly liked how the author exposed Megan’s history in bits and pieces. I found myself almost more intrigued by her story than by the crimes she was investigating. And the cliffhanger left me definitely looking forward to the next book.

I do like it when an author rolls out just enough information that keeps me satisfied but also wanting more. I can’t wait to see how Megan’s story proceeds – and to see what twisted crime she investigates next.

Author Bio

A #1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Olsen has written nine nonfiction books, seventeen novels, a novella, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.

The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel.

The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.

Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife, twin daughters, three chickens, Milo (an obedience school dropout cocker) and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).

Website: https://www.greggolsen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Gregg_Olsen
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Books On Tour: The Quiet Girls

As someone who reads a lot of psychological thrillers, I tend to get a little complacent about the plots and think I have things figured out fairly early. Sometimes, I end up being right; still can make for a good read.

The Quiet Girls went in the opposite direction from where I thought it was going to go, and for that reason, it was truly an addicting story (as the tagline promised). I read it in one sitting.

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The story starts with a bad dream, follows quickly with the adventure of three girls in a seemingly abandoned house, and never really lets up until the very last page.

I thought that there were some unique character choices, which added depth to the story. The allusions to Harry’s past illness, followed by his relapse, gave the whole plot an added dimension and allowed it to make sense. Without his issues, the decisions he made would have seemed farfetched.

There was not a lot of depth to the characters, although we did get a lot of backstory for Carrie, which was suitable for the character but stood out because other characters did not have the same details.  For the most part, this worked because it kept the plot skimming along.

About mid-way through, there were a couple of twists that really got the story going.  That being said, there were a few parts that seemed a little bit too convenient as well. Carrie’s backstory is one of them.

The messages that the devil is sometimes closer than you think, and in spite of our best intentions we might still make crucial mistakes come through loud and clear and ultimately drive the narrative to a satisfying conclusion. I would definitely recommend this book.

Author Bio

J.M. Hewitt writes crime fiction and is the author of three previous crime fiction novels and has been published in two short story publications. Her work usually incorporates twentieth and twenty-first century events and far-flung locations, and her novels explore the darker side of human behaviour.
In contrast to the sometimes dark content of her books, she lives in a seaside town in Suffolk with her dog, Marley. 

When she was ten years old she’d read all the books she owned, all those on her mother’s bookcase and everything the library had to offer. She decided the only course of action to take was to write her own stories. Thirty years later, she is still writing them.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/jmhewitt
WEBSITE: www.jeanettehewitt.com
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Blog Tour w/Review: The Bowery Slugger

Having read a few of this author’s books, and finding some to be better than others, I had a little bit of trepidation when approaching The Bowery Slugger. Turn of the last century America is one of my favorite periods in history, and I am always wary of accuracy in historical novels.

I am happy to report that Mr. Borstinski does an admirable job of creating the atmosphere of the NYC Bowery in the early 1900s. This gritty look at the immigrant experience should not be missed.

I was drawn into the story almost immediately, as I thought the immigrant experience and the tenements of the Bowery were especially well-described. The whole story had a “Gangs of New York” feel to it, and it kept me turning pages. Some people may find the brutality to be a bit much, but it is definitely realistic to the time and place of the story.

I particularly liked the balance that Alex tried to achieve. Even as he was working his way up in the organization, and brutally so, he still had a bit of his “Old World” self that he tried to embrace as he became more interested in his neighbor, Rebecca.

I also found the author’s treatment of the rise of unions, exploitation of immigrants, and the corruption of Tammany Hall to be well-done. I appreciated the way that he wove historical facts into his narrative. His research for this novel is admirable.

This was by far the best of his books that I have read, and I look forward to the next installment in the Alex Cohen series, out in the spring of 2020 (hopefully!)

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Blog Tour w/Review: From Inside the House

I was pleased to see another DI Graves book released so soon after the first one. I very much enjoyed The Demons Beneath and looked forward to jumping back into the plot, assumedly where it had left off.

I was a little bit surprised to find that wasn’t the case. Instead, the author starts with a fascinatingly gruesome murder, followed in quick succession by Detective Inspector Graves and Palmer arriving at the scene. As one character puts it (and I’m paraphrasing here), if they are on the case, you know there is more to it.

As this is another cracking crime thriller, I’m not going to give any spoilers. Suffice to say that the murders and the common thread that ties them together are well-written and creepy, and answer the question of “what happens when a psychopath and a sociopath work together?” These scenes are very well-described, so it is easy for the reader to see why Graves has such a problem with crime scenes. (He reminds me of Doc Martin, the doctor who gets queasy at the sight of blood).

I loved that this aspect of his character got more attention in the story – the brutality of the murders lent itself easily to exploring Graves’ issues. I also liked how we got more back story as to why he is the way he is.

I think that this is a strength of the author; all of the characters are very natural. They have quirks and personal baggage that sometimes help/hinder their investigations. They do not exist in a vacuum solely to solve crime; they are real people.

I also liked that several departments contributed to the investigation. From the Medical Examiner to the profiler and even the rank and file, everyone came up with a piece of the puzzle to solve the crime. As a person who is very familiar with law enforcement, I appreciated the attention to detail and recognition that the littlest bit of information can truly crack a case.

I did wish for a little bit more of Jenny’s story, but it is quite apparent that this is going to be a cat and mouse thread that weaves through future installments of the series. The melding of two different plot threads left quite the cliffhanger and made me eager for the next book.

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Books On Tour: The Wish List of Albie Young

I don’t get emotional when I read books. I may hate/love/enjoy characters and their interactions, but I rarely have a deep connection that makes me feel more than what the story demands.

That is most definitively NOT the case with The Wish List of Albie Young. I felt this book deeply in so many ways I have a hard time knowing where to start. It has vaulted to the top of my best reads of the year.

From the beginning, it was thoroughly unique that the reader never actually meets the main character, the man who was the catalyst for the entire story. We only learn about Albie through the eyes of Maria, a woman who got to know him through weekly meetings at a local café.  

Maria is one of the most “real” characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Watching her move through the stages of grief was touching and emotional. I could visualize exactly what was happening to her and empathized with how she tried to cope with her new reality. It wasn’t always easy, but she drew strength when she needed to, and she did so with the help of Albie.

Her heartache (that preceded the loss of Albie) had caused her to withdraw from living until she became a shell of a person. She eventually realized that he was an amazing man, and if he thought she was special, then maybe it was time she gave herself a chance to live.

It is so true that sometimes the dead need to show us how to continue living. And this was the heart of the book for me. By continuing Albie’s wish list, Maria finds a new lease on life, learning that it is never too late to start living. Her blossoming brought tears to my eyes, which continued through the rest of the book.

I also had a feeling about one aspect of the plot (no spoilers), but that didn’t stop me from absolutely bawling like a baby when I read the section confirming it.

Honestly, even though there was sadness at missed opportunities, the hopefulness that Maria had by the end of her story absolutely leaped off the page at me. I wanted to spend more time with her to see her continue her journey.

This is a story that has everything, and it should not be missed. As we head into the holiday season, it is an excellent reminder of how simply we can have an impact on others and to be thankful for those interactions that improve our lives – if we just remember to look for and recognize them.

Author Bio

Ruby Hummingbird is a novelist based in the English countryside. She loves nothing more than writing uplifting and heartwarming fiction that gets her readers reaching for the tissues. When she isn’t storytelling, she can be found tending to her beloved sunflowers or sipping on hazelnut lattes. The Wish List of Albie Young is her debut novel, and it promises to be a real heartbreaker. 

Twitter: @HummingbirdRuby
Facebook: /ruby.hummingbird.58
Instagram: rubyhummingbirdauthor
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Blog Tour w/Review: A Proclivity to Prurience

I have read a lot of erotica and books that claim to be erotica. Some are tantalizing and keep things subtle until a big moment when everything becomes overt. Others are more “in your face” from the beginning. Both types have their place within the genre and can be significant in their rights.

The one thing that makes an erotic novel really work, however, is a plot that provides a reason for all of the sex the characters have.  That, unfortunately, is where this novel seems to be lacking.

There was a decent set-up, as the wedding that led off the story was the perfect situation to explore several different relationships and experiences. Unfortunately, there were a lot of characters that were introduced in short order and with very little detail, so it was difficult to get a full grasp of relationships right from the beginning.

While the scenes moved quickly from one to another, I had a difficult time keeping the thread of the plot as it seemed rather thin. Joe has a devil-may-care attitude towards life, which Abbie appears to be fascinated with, but events take some odd turns, and everything gets out of control.

This is the best that I can describe the plot because while there were times that the characters reacted realistically, there were others where it seemed like events were just in the story to move from one sex scene to another.

Joe, as the catalyst, was an unlikeable character, as he did not seem to have any compass or direction other than moving from one pleasurable experience to another. I will give the author points for creativity because Joe certainly experienced the gamut of sexual choices.

The author had a high command of the language, and her word choices were different from many other erotic novels. This kept the reading interesting, at least because it did not devolve into the more familiar gutter language of other erotic books.

Honestly, I’m not quite sure what to think of this one. There were hints of a really good erotic story, but the cohesiveness left something to be desired. So, if you’re looking for a lot of well-described, quickie scenes, you should give this one a try. But if you prefer a plot with erotic scenes interspersed, you would be best to look elsewhere.

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Books On Tour: My Mother’s Silence

I’ve often distinguished thrillers as either moving fast with lots of twists or slower with a more ominous build to the reveal. My Mother’s Silence belongs in the latter category.

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Skye is returning home after leaving 15 years prior, shortly after her twin sister died and she was in a horrible car accident. She grudgingly agrees to return only because her brother tells her that her mom has taken a fall and is asking for her. There are family secrets, town secrets, and a whole lot of messed up for her to deal with.

Her memories surrounding the accident are missing, but as she speaks with old friends, she starts having flashes that she comes to realize are memories resurfacing. This is when the story really takes off because everything that she thought comes into question, which in turn leaves the reader wondering what the real story is.

I particularly liked the Celtic themes and perspective of the townspeople. I thought the author did a very good job of illustrating how small towns work, where everyone has a connection and they stand up for their own. I also wish I could hear some of Skye’s songs because they sounded beautiful in my mind 😊

There were a few parts that seemed like a little bit of a reach, but only because they didn’t seem to be as detailed as others. Skye’s mother’s state of mind is something that I found particularly fascinating, as her lucidity appeared to be directly linked to the facts of the past. I know that sounds a little cagey, but I don’t want to give anything away.

I do wish that we could have had more of Ginny’s diary entries because I thought they were interesting and gave a new dimension to the events of the past. I think a few more of those placed at strategic points in the plot could have added to the questions that Skye was trying to answer.

All in all, this was a solid story and I would definitely recommend it.

My Mother's SilenceMy Mother’s Silence by Lauren Westwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As psychological thrillers go, this belongs in the slow-build/reveal category. It is not particularly chilling as much as it is a story of family secrets and the consequences surrounding them. I liked the setting and thought the author did a great job of creating the small-town atmosphere. I also thought that Skye’s personality was very balanced and crucial for how she approached each new piece of information as she tried to piece her memories back together. This was a quick and intriguing read, and I would recommend it. For a full review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.

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Author Bio

Lauren Westwood writes dark and romantic women’s fiction and is also an award-winning children’s writer. Originally from California, she now lives in England in a persnickety old house built in 1602, with her partner and three daughters.

Lauren hopes you enjoy her latest book, My Mother’s Silence, which is a dark, emotional journey about homecoming and family secrets. Your opinions are important to her, so please do leave a review.

Author Social Media Links

Lauren loves hearing from readers, so if you wish to get in touch, please visit her website: https://www.laurenwestwoodwriter.com/, or follow her on twitter: @lwestwoodwriter  https://twitter.com/lwestwoodwriter or Facebook: @Lwestwoodbooks https://www.facebook.com/Lwestwoodbooks/

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Blog Tour w/Review – Tell Me Everything

I have very mixed feelings about this book, mainly because it seems as if the author had a difficult time deciding what to focus on in the book.

On the one hand, it was a fascinating look at alternative lifestyles for adults, a topic that does not get enough honest attention. What two consenting adults do in their private life is really nobody else’s business, regardless of age or gender.

I found this first part of the story to be extremely interesting because I thought the author’s exploration of a married couple’s shared interest outside the marriage is not a usual catalyst in a novel. The actions and reactions of Jessica and Jake were honest and realistic.

When Jessica crosses a few lines, however, I felt that the plot sort of lost its way. It wasn’t so much her crossing them because that seemed like a natural progression in the relationships they had. It was that the character who was the catalyst for the “line-crossing” did not have enough depth to him.

Everything else to that point was carefully described and detailed. Then this guy pops up primarily (it seemed) to cause problems. I thought this whole interlude did not ring true and was thrown in to make it “interesting.” All it did for me, however, was to take focus away from the couple’s growth and dealing with issues.

That’s not to say that the conflict shouldn’t have happened. I liked how Jessica was able to use her experience to help another character, so I think that something should have happened – I just think it could have been done differently. I also felt that it was resolved way too easily, considering the trouble that it caused, and everything wrapped up rather quickly at the end, not to mention there were a few characters that were just sort of left hanging.

My other issue is in the author’s notes; she mentions that she wrote the book to be able to address “toxic masculinity…and rape culture.” I did not get that from ANY of this book and could not even begin to see where that would have had any place in the story. I would still recommend this book. I just wish it had been a little bit more streamlined.

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Blog Tour w/Review: Landon & Shay, Part One

I am not a huge fan of angst. I think there is enough of it in real life that I don’t seek it out in books that I choose to read. There is currently only one author who I make an exception for, as I am never disappointed at the depth of her characters.

It’s FREE in KU – what are you waiting for?!?!?

Landon and Shay, Part One is another of Brittainy C. Cherry’s studies of a relationship fraught with trouble, with seemingly insurmountable odds against the success of the couple. I could tell from the beginning that the animosity between Landon and Shay was mainly due to how much they actually had in common, even though they were not aware of that fact at first. Or, they might have been aware of their similarities subconsciously, which is what caused each of them to “hate” the other.

This is the strength of the author’s writing. She creates complex characters who are realistic. They have substance and personality and are intriguing enough to make the reader want to know more about them, to grow along with them. I particularly loved how she used Shay’s character, and her propensity for personality analysis, to dig deeper into the character’s psyches. That was brilliant and extremely well-done.

I know it seems as if I am speaking in riddles, but I think that one of the best things about her books is the journey that the reader undertakes right along with the characters. I can’t describe a plot point without giving away where the characters are at that time, which would, in turn, give away the beautiful arc of the plot.

And that would ruin the whole story.

Oh, and there is a twist that I absolutely did not see coming; it left me stunned, causing me to read more carefully to see what I may have missed.

Honestly, if you have read any of her books, you know what I am talking about. And if you haven’t read any of her books, why the heck not? As I said at the beginning, I am not a huge fan of angst, but her books leave me reeling and wanting more. “Epic love story” is a phrase that is often over-used, but it certainly applies to this story. I will be eagerly awaiting Part Two to finish the journey with Landon and Shay.

Landon & Shay: Part One (L&S Duet, #1)Landon & Shay: Part One by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wrecked and gutted. That’s how this book left m, but in the best ways possible. The author’s ability to capture every minute detail of a relationship and make the reader feel like they are experiencing it themselves is unmatched. I have virtually nothing in common with these characters, but I felt so deeply for them it was amazing. My only complaint about this book is that we have to wait for part two! For a complete review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of the book.

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Books On Tour: The Other Daughter

I have read a couple of this author’s books before and am often left wanting (The Girl from the Sea comes to mind). But I think she does a decent job of throwing red herrings into her plots, so I keep coming back for more. I am happy to say that I believe The Other Daughter is one of her best books yet.

The action takes place in the present time with a few “Then” flashback chapters interspersed. Everything is seamless, though, so it never feels like too much of a jolt to shift time frames. The chapters detailing past events add much to the current developments and even allow the reader to question what is happening in the present. I love it when an author can craft a plot in that manner.

The characters are realistic. I can see each of them being a real person, and all of their reactions appear to be genuine. That being said, however, I do think that the “big reveal” (while a shocker) seems a little far-fetched – but I am willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt that extensive research was completed to portray the character’s actions and reactions accurately. Regardless, it made for a real “WTH” moment and kept me engrossed in the story to the end.

If I had to pick on anything, I would say that things were tied up and explained a little too neatly. I did like the twists that the author threw in that propelled Rachel’s actions while making me question Rachel’s stability. That was a delicate balancing act. However, there was an answer for everything, and a little bit of messiness might have added to the realness of the story.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who would enjoy a quick psych thriller.

The Other DaughterThe Other Daughter by Shalini Boland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This psychological thriller was a quick read that had me questioning the characters’ motives right up until the last page. I thought that the author did a good job of laying the groundwork for the reader to believe one thing while crafting a sub-story that was equally plausible. There were more than a few “Oh, no way” moments, and the big reveal did surprise me (that’s hard to do). For a more detailed review, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary, pre-release, digital ARC of this book.

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http://someonewotwrites.blogspot.com/ 
@ShaliniBoland
https://www.facebook.com/ShaliniBolandAuthor/

Shalini Boland is the million-copy, USA-Today bestselling author of eight psychological thrillers: ‘THE GIRL FROM THE SEA’, ‘THE BEST FRIEND’, ‘THE MILLIONAIRE’S WIFE’ (optioned for TV by Legendary Studios), ‘THE SECRET MOTHER’, ‘THE CHILD NEXT DOOR’, ‘THE SILENT SISTER’, ‘THE PERFECT FAMILY’ and ‘THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL’.

THE OTHER DAUGHTER comes out Nov 5th and is now available to preorder!

Her titles are published by Bookouture, Grand Central (USA) and Tantor.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her husband, two children and their cheeky terrier cross. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing psychological thrillers (in between school runs and sorting endless baskets of laundry). 

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