Book Musings - The Pelican by M. Naidoo

The Pelican

"Because life is about living..."

Julia has never been one to surrender without a fight, but when she receives a devastating diagnosis, she has a decision to make.

Even after thirty years, she can still see her mother slowly fading away with every dose of chemo, every round of radiation, and every lost shred of hope. No, she won't do it... not to her family... and not to herself!

Without warning, she packs up her belongings and disappears, leaving behind a life that, by all accounts, had been as perfect as they come, and a distraught family full of questions.

Finding peace in a beach house in Northern California turns out to have its complications though. While only a handful of other residents share the tiny beach community, each one has brought their own baggage and developed their own way of dealing with it. All Julia wants is to be left alone, but that simply does not seem to be an option, especially when there's a persistent bird that declares her to be his new best friend.

Haunted by the shadows of the past, Julia is struggling to cope with the present. Will she have the strength to do this alone and eventually follow through with her plan? Will her family, divided by mixed reactions to being abandoned, come together to try and track her down? And what is the deal with that pelican of hers?

Only time will tell - and time is the one thing Julia does not have...

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-M-Naidoo-ebook/dp/B074DTBMZQ/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pelican-M-Naidoo-ebook/dp/B074DTBMZQ/

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-pelican-4

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-pelican-m-naidoo/1129330070?ean=2940161877258

For duration of tour – The Pelican will be £1.99 on Amazon UK (and US)

My Musings :

When I first saw the cover, I will be honest, I wasn't impressed but after reading the book, I believe it is of the sort which implies so much with a simple image.

The story starts when Julia is given a life altering diagnosis. I try not to read very heavy and serious stories because I generally tend to cry at the smallest things even in a romance. So I am sure that this type of story will have me teary eyes from the beginning till the end. 

But surprisingly, that wasn't the case inspite of the subject of the tale. Julia's fight for herself and her family, to stay away from pain and the way she deals with her illness, all made me feel so much and her pain was easily made communicable to me,the reader. The author has a writing style which is easy to approach and goes well with the plot line. 

I wasn't crying openly but I read it with a heavy heart which slowly eased as the story went on. It was not just a story of pain but also goodness which kind of made sense to me. I would have preferred Julia doing something else to ease her family's pain. But her selflessness and her stay at the tiny community had me slowly see the beauty in life at the side of pain and problems. 

A story of good sentimentality and a view at life from a different angle which made for a poignant read. 

I received a review copy which doesn't reflect in my review in any way. 

My rating : 4.5/5

Author Bio –

Born and raised in Germany, M.Naidoo lives in Northern California with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs. One of them, Dusty, a spunky terrier mix, found its way into her debut novel.
When she is not in front of her computer, pounding out story lines and characters, she enjoys reading, movies, spending time with her family, and long walks on the beach - her proverbial 'happy place'. M's love for the beach and ocean shine through in the vivid descriptions of the coast in The Pelican.

"Juggling my life as a writer and a full-time 'real' job has its challenges. I don't get to spend half as much time as I'd like doing what I love, and there are never enough hours in the day. Still, I feel extremely lucky to be following my passion, and I am enjoying every minute of it. Getting here has been one heck of a ride!"

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMNaidoo/

https://www.instagram.com/authormnaidoo/

https://twitter.com/authormnaidoo

Book Musings - Legends of Persia by Jennifer Macaire

Legends of Persia

When Ashley Riveraine jumped at the chance to travel back in time to meet her hero Alexander the Great, she never thought she would end up staying there…

Following Alexander the Great’s army on its journey across Persia, Ashley is walking the knife edge of history. As a presumed goddess, Ashley is expected to bless crops, make sure battles are won and somehow keep herself out of the history books.

Can Ashley avoid the wrath of the Time Institute while keeping the man she loves alive?

Purchase Link - mybook.to/LegendsofPersia

My Musings :

I like history but I have to be in a really good mood to read a heavy historical book. When I first read the blurb of this book, I was intrigued. The reason was the mention of  time travel. I love time travel stories and I was eager to find out what happens in this tale.

I got more than I thought I would,with this book. I was riveted with the story. I absolutely loved Ashley's adventure of going back in time. One thing I regret is that I didn't read the first book. Apparently this is the second one. I didn't realise that while picking it up. And I paid a bit for that oversight. I read this as  a standalone and I am looking to read the first one so I can compare my experience.

This riveting tale has good language which kept it easy and real for me. It was fascinating getting to know the time of Alexander and the daily lives in that time period. And add the passionate side plots and you have spent some hours immersed in a book of adventure and romance. The romance aspect was  a surprise for me. 

The writing was intriguing and descriptive enough to get my mind soaring with vivid images especially associated with their love scenes. They might be graphic but it went well with the plot.

Overall,I enjoyed the book and I can't wait to see how I would like the first book now!

I received a review copy which doesn't affect my review in any way

Rating : 4.5/5

Author Bio –

Jennifer Macaire lives with her husband, three children, & various dogs & horses. She loves cooking, eating chocolate, growing herbs and flowering plants on her balcony, and playing golf. She grew up in upstate New York, Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. She graduated from St. Peter and Paul high school in St. Thomas and moved to NYC where she modeled for five years for Elite. She met her husband at the polo club. All that is true. But she mostly likes to make up stories.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeforAlexander/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jennifermacaire/

twitter @jennifermacaire

https://jennifermacaire.wordpress.com/

Giveaway to Win a $10 Amazon gift certificate (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Book Musings - The Disgraceful Lord Gray by Virginia Heath

A spy on a mission…Until he meets this heiress!

Miss Theodora Cranford’s learned to keep her impetuous nature locked away. She won’t be deceived by another man who can’t see past her fortune. She wants an honourable, sensible sort – not a self-assured scoundrel like her new neighbour, Lord Gray. Although she’s sure there’s more to him than meets the eye… But after that first captivating kiss, she's certainly left wanting more!


Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disgraceful-Mills-Historical-Kings-Elite-ebook/dp/B07JKL8BD1/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Disgraceful-Mills-Historical-Kings-Elite-ebook/dp/B07JKL8BD1/

My Musings :

Source : Review copy from Rachel's Random Resources
Date read : 29 March 2019
Rating : 5/5
Reread factor : 3.5/5

A dashing spy and a wilful and fiery neighbour make for a few delightful hours of mystery and romance. Oh wait, I forgot the hero of the story, Trefor! I love romances with dogs. They add so much fun to them. And that the story is set in my favourite time period is just the icing on the cake.

The characters are interesting with their pasts and quirks. Gray tries to come across as a disgraceful person but he is one of the best heroes ever created. He is so good in nature and the way he tried to not hurt Thea made him better in my eyes. Thea is such a fire cracker and her 2 characters - sensible and impulsive parts had me cracking up at times.

The romance kept me glued to my seat while the mystery of the Boss kept me reading at a faster rate. It was a page turner in all the good aspects and it can be read as a standalone even if it is part of a series. I for one enjoyed my blissful day of fun and romance and can't wait to continue the series.

I recommend this book and the author to all regency romance lovers out there.

Author Bio – 

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Fortunately, the lovely people at Harlequin Mills & Boon took pity on her and decided to publish her romances, but it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor/

https://twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_

https://www.virginiaheathromance.com/

Giveaway – Win 3 x e-copies of The Disgraceful Lord Gray (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Book Musings -Your Secret's Safe With Me by Rosie Travers

Your Secret’s Safe With Me
Career girl Becca Gates’ organised life is thrown into chaos when her mother, romantic novelist Pearl, announces her surprise engagement to Jack, a man she has only just met.

Worse news follows when Pearl tells Becca she intends to leave London, quit writing, and retire to her new fiancé’s idyllic waterside home on the south coast. Becca is determined to prevent Pearl from making a disastrous mistake, but when she at arrives at Rivermede, more shocks await when she stumbles upon a familiar yet unwelcome face from her past.

As Pearl embraces her new life amongst the local sailing fraternity, Becca receives a grim warning that all is not as calm as it seems at picturesque Rivermede, and if she wants to keep her family safe, she should keep them away.

But why should Becca trust the man who has betrayed her before, the man who broke her heart, the man who thinks he knows all her secrets?

Purchase Link
Mybook.to/yoursecretssafewithme 

My Musings :

Source : Review copy from Rachel's Random Resources

Date read : 20 March, 2019

Rating : 4/5

Reread factor : 3/5

I don't know why but I thought it was a very serious-y ( is that even a word? ) suspense story. I was totally mistaken. The cover is not dark and that should have been my first clue. But no! I go in and read a story,which I can't seem to put into a specific category, with a few twists and turns. 

This is a light mystery book which has lots of elements like the mother-daughter relationship, a cozy community feel and look and a few mysterious comments and events leading to a good read. It was time well spent for the amount of fun I had with it.

It has romance and family and slight suspense with bits of humorous banter among the characters. 

The characters were well etched, such that with very human tendencies and faults. The writing was very entertaining and easy to enjoy. The tale was well paced and had me not racing to the end but on a comfortable stroll through the pages. 

I give this a 4 star because I enjoyed it and it kept me well entertained though it didn't get me hooked onto each page with much anticipation. It was a meandering kind of a book. 

I received a copy for reviewing purposes which doesn't impact my review in any way.

Author Bio – 

Rosie Travers grew up in Southampton on the south coast of England and loved escaping into a good book at a very early age. After many years juggling motherhood and a variety of jobs in local government she moved to Southern California in 2009. With time on her hands she started a blog about the perils of ex-pat life which rekindled a teenage desire to become a writer. Now permanently settled back in the UK, Rosie takes inspiration from the towns and landscape of her native south coast and enjoys writing heart-warming stories sprinkled with mystery, tragedy, comedy and romance. Rosie’s debut novel, The Theatre of Dreams, was published by Crooked Cats Books in August 2018. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association.

Social Media Links –

Website: https://www.rosietravers.com

Twitter @RosieTravers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosietraversauthor

Instagram: @rosietraversauthor

RNA Profile: https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/rna_author/rosie-travers/

Book Musings - This Strange Hell by CJ Sutton

This Strange Hell
A suited man runs from a burning tower in Melbourne as bodies rain down upon him.

Before the city’s millions can compose, he boards a train into the countryside. Hiding his identity and changing his appearance, the man finds his way to Sulley Ridge, a lawless town in the heart of the harsh Victorian outback.

The following day, a burned man wakes up in a hospital bed. Surging with rage, he speaks a name. Within an hour, the suited man’s face is across every screen in the country. It’s the greatest manhunt Australia has ever seen.

But as he tries to camouflage in Sulley Ridge, he soon realises the town has its own problems. Under the iron fist of a violent leader, the locals are trapped within slow and torturous decay…

As we learn more about the night of the burning tower, the connection between the suited man and the burned man threatens to leave a trail of destruction across the state.

Here is the story of a man on the run from his past, as the line between sanity and evil is danced upon.

Here is the tale of This Strange Hell.

Purchase Link -- mybook.to/thisstrangehell 

My Musings :

Source : Review copy from Rachel's Random Resources 

Date read : 15 March,2019

Rating :4/5

Reread factor: 3/5

I almost gave this book a miss because of the cover. It really didn't grab my attention. But the blurb did its job, getting me to take a second look. I am glad I looked beyond the cover since I enjoyed the mystery involved in the plot.

The story started with a man running from the past and a burned man who started a man hunt. The plot is really conducive to being an enjoyable read though there were few things which irked me. The words referring to the characters like 'The man, That man' were repetitive and I felt they could have been avoided. Another thing was that few scenes were unnecessarily dragged out. Other than that, I really liked the story. 

The mysterious start kept me going till the end what with the "stranger's" past and his current woes. There was plenty of action and violence to keep me glued to the seat. The writing had me imagining the plight of the people and the author took me on quite a journey. The characters were plotted out in such a way that I, as a reader, was intrigued and scared of them at times. At the end of the book, I took a while to digest the story.

I might repeat this and read another book of the author's if I get a chance. 

I received a copy which doesn't impact my review in any way.

Author Bio –
C.J. Sutton is a writer based in Melbourne, Australia. He holds a Masters in journalism and creative writing and supports the value of study through correspondence. His fictional writing delves into the unpredictability of the human mind and the fears that drive us.

As a professional writer C. J. Sutton has worked within the hustle and bustle of newsrooms, the competitive offices of advertising and the trenches of marketing. But his interest in creating new characters and worlds has seen a move into fiction, which has always pleaded for complete attention. Dortmund Hibernate was his debut novel, released by Crooked Cat Books on July 18. It is available now - mybook.to/dortmundhibernate

His new novel, This Strange Hell, will be released on March 15.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/cjsutton.author/

https://twitter.com/c_j_sutton

Instagram: @c.j.sutton

www.cjsutton-author.com

Book Musings - Knowing you by Samantha Tonge

Blurb :

An abrupt change; a new friendship; a dark secret...

Kind-hearted Violet has never fitted in, but despite being bullied at school is now content. She is dating ambitious Lenny, has her dream job in publishing and runs a book club at the local retirement home.

However, when her relationship with Lenny begins to falter, Violet, hurt and alone, seeks the advice of her new flatmate, Bella. She changes her image and with her head held high aims to show that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life to be happy and successful.

Her long-term friends Mable and Farah worry about Bella’s influence and slowly Violet starts to distance herself from them. When she was a child, her closest confidant and companion was a boy called Flint. Her mother didn’t approve of their closeness and he suffered a terrible end. She won’t let the same thing happen to Bella, no matter what anyone says...

Knowing You is about friendship and knowing who to trust with your deepest secrets; it’s about taking control of your life and not being afraid to stand out. Perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan, Gail Honeyman and Amanda Prowse


Purchase Links

Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MX87BH1/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&linkCode=ur2&tag=canelo-21

Apple - https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/book/knowing-you/id1449854707?mt=11&uo=8&at=1000l5Q7

Google - https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=aRiEDwAAQBAJ

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/knowing-you-6 

My Musings :

Source : Review copy from Rachel's Random Resources

Date read : 12 March, 2019 - 13 March, 2019

Rating : 4/5

Reread factor : 4/5

What I thought the book would be about and what it was really about! The laugh was on me. But the book did surprise me in a great way because I didn't guess the truth till the end. 

And Violet! What to say about her. Her various facets - her kindness, her insecurities, her inner strength, her vulnerabilities - are so various and reflective of each woman's psyche in a way. She stole my heart and she will remain a favourite of mine. When I started reading the book, I wasn't expecting anything. I was pretty blank but as the story progressed, I confess, I was confused and a bit bored with Vi's diet and everyday life. 

But, there is a big but in there, it all started coming together in an unexpected way to create a multi layered story which revealed the truth of Vi in a simple and single stroke. The author did a very good job of keeping the suspense and the poignancy of Vi's life. My mind was overwhelmed at the end and I really really felt Vi's emotions in every way and I can't shake her character from my mind. I just can't. I always come back to her when my eyes go to the book. 

When I finished the book, I was a bit disappointed  because it felt disconnected and very abrupt. Maybe it was just my mindset which was asking for closure in Vi's life in connection with Casey. Maybe there is a book 2? I have no idea but I will keep dreaming.

A very finely woven tale of a woman's secret with a very faceted life. I am greatly looking forward more of the same. 

I received a review copy which doesn't impact my review in any way.

About Samantha Tonge 

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK and her passion, second to spending time with her husband and children, is writing. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.

In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut novel, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category.

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamTongeWriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor

Website: http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

Book Musings - Unlawful Things by Anna Sayburn Lane

Unlawful Things by Anna Sayburn Lane 

Paperback: 424 pages 

Publisher: Anna Sayburn Lane (22 Oct. 2018) 

Language: English 

Amazon.co.uk

BLURB

 A hidden masterpiece.A secret buried for 500 years.And one woman determined to uncover the truth.When London tour guide Helen Oddfellow meets a historian on the trail of a lost manuscript, she’s intrigued by the mystery – and the man. But the pair are not the only ones desperate to find the missing final play by sixteenth century English playwright Christopher Marlowe. What starts as a literary puzzle quickly becomes a quest with deadly consequences.When Helen realises the play hides an explosive religious secret, she begins to understand how much is at stake. Relying on her quick wits, she battles far-right thugs, eccentric aristocrats and an ancient religious foundation, each with their own motives for getting their hands on the manuscript. She discovers there is a price to pay for secret knowledge, but how high is too high?

Unlawful Things was shortlisted for the Virago/The Pool New Crime Writer Award. If you love a bit of historical sleuthing and a healthy dose of fast-paced action, you'll enjoy this intriguing debut thriller from Anna Sayburn Lane.Discover Unlawful Things today!

My Musings :

Date Read : 4 March,2019

Source : Review copy from Random Things Tours

Rating : 4/5

Reread Factor : 3/5

A secret for 500 years? That got my imagination. I was really looking forward to the book. A good mystery was in the books for me. That was my thought when I picked up the book.

Setting the mystery part aside, I enjoyed reading about literary parts woven through the story. Yes, at times it felt like it was interfering with the plot, but it was masterfully combined to present a good read. Then there was the part where I was left wondering what was the connection among all the incidents taking place at the same time, it kept me on my toes trying to guess and I was left hurrying through to finish the book as soon as I can. 

The characters are fully fleshed out. The one who stood out for me was Helen herself. There was a depth of character built up as the story progressed which really endeared her to me. I enjoyed the path of her growth. And the surprising part of the book was the romance aspect. It was a pleasant surprise. Then the action bits, starting from the religious conflict starting right at the beginning till the end of the book, those got me flying right through the pages. 

All in all it was a pretty good read with historical facts strewn in.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anna Sayburn Lane is a novelist, short story writer and storyteller, inspired by the history and contemporary life of London. Unlawful Things is her first novel.
She has published award-winning short stories in a number of magazines, including Mslexia, Scribble and One Eye Grey.
Her Mslexia award-winning story Conservation was described by judge and Booker-longlisted author Alison MacLeod as “a powerful and profound contemporary piece in which one man’s story stands for an entire nation’s… it’s a punch to the heart, a story that will haunt and touch its readers deeply”.
She has told stories at London club The Story Party and One Eye Grey’s Halloween event, Moon Over the Lido.

Twitter: @BloomsburyBlue

Website: http://www.annasayburnlane.com/

Author Page on Facebook

Book Musings - The Sweetest Match by Abby Tyler

The Sweetest Match
Abby Tyler
Publication date: March 7th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She hid secret messages in frosting, thinking no one would notice.
Abby Tyler welcomes you to the witty, well-meaning busybodies of Applebottom, Missouri, where the community takes its pies — and its matchmaking — very seriously.
Sandy Miller became an outcast at fifteen years old. Pregnant, confused, and blackmailed into silence, she spent eighteen years raising her son away from the disapproving stares of her hometown.
But Caden has left for college, and Sandy needs a job. When Applebottom’s tea shop owner sees Sandy’s decorating sketches, she hires her instantly in hopes of putting her little bakery on the map.
And then the town starts spotting secret words of love and longing on her cakes.
Andrew McCallister is the first to admit that he never got over Sandy Miller. In high school, another boy swooped in and snatched her right up. Everything that happened afterward filled him with regret. The town’s censure. His failure to check on her. Her struggle.
But now she’s back.
When the town summons the pair to a meeting to plan the school’s centennial bash, Andrew and Sandy discover they are the only two members of the committee. As they attempt to rekindle the long-lost flame, they realize the community must come together for more than an anniversary party. For their new relationship to flourish, the old guard must learn to support their most vulnerable members even when times get hard.
Abby Tyler is the new small-town romance pen name of USA Today bestselling author Deanna Roy / JJ Knight.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

My Musings :

Date read : March 1,2019

Source : ARC from Xpresso Book Tours

Rating : 5/5

Reread factor : 4/5

My eye refused to move from the blurb as soon as I saw the first line. A very interesting premise to base a story on. I loved the idea of finding secret messages and add the town people acting as match makers, I believed it would an instant hit and it was so! I got to read one of the sweetest romances in recent times. 

I really loved the protagonists in spite of their insecurities. They aren't perfect. But they are real with realistic characteristic features. Sandy won me with her strength and Andrew with his steadfastness. This is the second book I believe I have read with mature characters this year and I am gratified that I loved them both. 

The story had me turning the pages at an increasing pace since I was so into the pair that I wanted to know how they got together. It was a pretty enjoyable journey which made for a great read. I am glad I found another author to add to my list. I am looking forward to more of her romances and I hope she keeps up with this tempo.

I received an ARC from Xpresso Book Tours for reviewing purposes.

Author Bio:
Abby Tyler loves puppy dogs, pie, and small towns (she grew up in one!) Her Applebottom Matchmaker Society books combine the sweet and wholesome style of romance she loves with the funny, sometimes a-little-too-truthful characters she remembers from growing up in a place where everyone knew everybody’s business.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
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Book Musings - The Playing Card Killer by Russell James

The Playing Card Killer by Russell James 

Paperback: 288 pages 

Publisher: FLAME TREE PRESS; New edition (14 Feb. 2019) 

AMAZON.CO.UK

BLURB: 

Brian Sheridan may be losing his mind.

Asleep, he’s plagued by dreams of murder, women strangled with a red velvet rope then left with a playing card tucked in the corpse. While awake, he’s hallucinating that he’s being stalked by a man painted like a skeleton. It’s getting hard to know what’s real. He hopes all this is driven by his cold turkey withdrawal from a lifetime of anti-anxiety medications.

But when one of his nightmare’s victims shows up on the news, dead, Brian fears he himself may be the unwitting killer...

My Musings :

Source : Reviewing copy through Netgalley
Date read : February 21,2019
Rating : 5/5
My reread factor : 4/5

A serial killer thriller? I need to get my hands on it. That was my thought as soon as I saw this one. Oh boy! I am really happy that I was selected. I really enjoyed the read. It's another of my top reads for this year.

The characters are complex with real difficulties. Brian with his personal problems and Detective with his professional problems are a couple of the characters I really liked. I loved to read all about them in addition to the mystery involving the murders. It was a rather convoluted tale. At times I felt as if I was reading a horror book rather than a thriller. The dark vibe was pretty creepy. But it was a read that I relished in spite of my fear.

The author has applied the rather common theme and elements of a serial killer trope and made it his own with twists and turns from his very imaginative mind. The book kept me on tenterhooks till the end. The book does deal with real life problems so it has that side theme going for it too.

All in all, it was a dark twisty page turner of a mystery and thriller. And I look forward more of the same variety!

I received a copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't have any impact on my review.

My one line review : A twisty page turner of a mystery and thriller.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

http://www.flametreepublishing.com/


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Russell R. James was raised on Long Island, New York and spent too much time watching late night horror on TV, despite his parents' warnings. Bookshelves full of Stephen King and Edgar Allan Poe didn't make things better. He graduated from Cornell University and the University of Central Florida.

After a tour flying helicopters with the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division, he became a technical writer by day and spins twisted tales by night.

His wife reads what he writes, rolls her eyes, and says "There is something seriously wrong with you."

Visit his website at http://www.russellrjames.com/and read some free short stories.

Twitter @RRJames14

Book Musings - Inborn by Thomas Enger

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour of Inborn by Thomas Enger. I am quite excited to present my musings to you.

Blurb :

 When the high school in the small Norwegian village of Fredheim becomes a murder scene, the finger is soon pointed at seventeen-year-old Even. As the investigation closes in, social media is ablaze with accusations, rumours and even threats, and Even finds himself the subject of an online trial as well as being in the dock … for murder?

Even pores over his memories of the months leading up to the crime, and it becomes clear that more than one villager was acting suspiciously … and secrets are simmering beneath the calm surface of this close-knit community. As events from the past play tag with the present, he’s forced to question everything he thought he knew. Was the death of his father in a car crash a decade earlier really accidental? Has his relationship stirred up something that someone is prepared to kill to protect?

It seems that there may be no one that Even can trust. But can we trust him?

A taut, moving and chilling thriller, Inborn examines the very nature of evil, and asks the questions: How well do we really know our families? How well do we know ourselves?.

AMAZON

My Musings :

Source : ARC from Random Things Tours - this doesn't impact my review
Date read : February 18,2019
Rating : 5/5
Reread factor : 3.5/5

This was unlike any other book I had read so far. Because it was written in such a way that it kept me tied to the story till the end. One thing I found interesting was the new locale and the culture and the names. Almost all of them were exotic to me. This really underscored the fact that I don't usually read international books. I really need to expand my horizon.

That aside, the other thing was the narrative style. It was a combination of a courtroom drama in the present with flashbacks to the mysterious crime of the death of two students in a small town. It was captivating and intriguing. It was alternating in the way that it kept me updated on the past and the present and wondering about the future. The prose was tightly written with no place for errors or space for boredom. It was as if the author had decided to keep me guessing till the end.

The way the book started had me sure about the identity of the culprit.  Oh my! I was so wrong. The author sure does know how to spin a tale of twisty turns and murky minds. I really need to acknowledge the fact that the story was one of the best ones I have read so far this year. The characters are no less intriguing with each of them having separate agendas. I liked Even from the beginning and at one point I was sad about this future. But I didn't realise the path the author was taking me on and that was one of the best surprises in the book. The ending with the aftermath twist is another one I didn't see coming, at all. All my guessing throughout the book had nothing on the plotting genius of the author.

Intriguing crime, twisted plot, murky reasons all come together to give a  brilliantly captivating read. I have no more words other than to say that I am looking forward to reading the author's other books ASAP.

My one line review : Intriguing crime, twisted plot, murky reasons = brilliantly captivating read.


About the Author :

Thomas Enger is a former journalist. He made his debut with the crime novel Burned in 2010, which became an international sensation before publication, and marked the first in the bestselling Henning Juul series. Rights to the series have been sold to 28 countries to date. In 2013 Enger published his first book for young adults, a dark fantasy thriller called The Evil Legacy, for which he won the U-prize (best book Young Adult). Killer Instinct, upon which Inborn is based, and another Young Adult suspense novel, was published in Norway in 2017 and won the same prestigious prize. Most recently, Thomas has cowritten a thriller with Jørn Lier Horst. Enger also composes music, and he lives in Oslo.

Book Musings - The Earl's Inconvenient Wife by Julia Justiss

Click the cover to go to the Goodreads page

Source : ARC from the author

Date read : February 17, 2019

Rating : 4.5/5

Reread factor : 4/5

Blurb :

The obvious solution:
A marriage of convenience!

Part of Sisters of Scandal: Temperance Lattimar is too scandalous for a Season, until finally she’s sponsored by Lady Sayleford. The whole charade feels wrong when she doesn’t want a husband, but Temper feels awful when MP and aristocrat Gifford Newell is appointed to “protect” her at society events. With her past, she knows she’s not an ideal wife…but then a marriage of convenience to Giff becomes the only option!

Sisters of Scandal miniseries

Book 1 — A Most Unsuitable Match

Book 2 — The Earl’s Inconvenient Bride
“A Most Unsuitable Match is a marvellous read” —All About Romance on A Most Unsuitable Match

“Julia Justiss writes another winner!” —Goodreads on A Most Unsuitable Match

My Musings :

When I got a chance to get my hands on it, I literally jumped. A new regency romance with a friends-to-lovers theme and I don't want to read it? No way! Regency is one of my favourite time periods. I love the elegance and the high society of those times though there are parts which make me sad and mad.

The author has done justice to the setting and period aspects of the story. I really enjoyed reading about the fun parts - the parties and the rumour mill and the set downs etc., as much as the serious parts - women being treated as objects and not having power in their own lives. Yes, it was a tough time and the glitz kept me entertained to breeze through the pages.

And add to that the story is easy to read with good language and easy to imagine scenes, it's a no-brainer wonderful read. The theme of love blossoming between long time friends is always close to my heart and this one is no exception. I literally felt the sparks between Temper and Gifford. I don't really know how her family missed it. That's the reason I loved Lady Sayleford. What an astute lady! That's how I imagine a regency heroine to be! The romance was fast and I really felt like smacking those two to getting to the resolution part so late! They kept me on tenterhooks with their love realisation. 

But, the anticipation is what kept me going till the end. And what an end! A very nicely packed finale with a very happy couple. This doesn't mean that there weren't any wicked plotting involved by the so called ladies. There is and it was what brought about the protagonists' happy life! Oh yes, a clear case of All's well that ends well! 

Only thing which wasn't perfect was the plot twister regarding Temper the author had written into the book. It was hinted at so heavily and so many times that it wasn't a surprise at all when it was revealed. That could have been done better. Though this is the second book, I didn't feel that I had to read the first one to enjoy it. It really read well as a standalone and I loved the feel of the cover. It perfectly sums up the story.

All in all, a clearly charming read with good characters and a medium paced plot with enough fun to have made me read it in one go!

Thanks to the author for an ARC which doesn't impact my review in any way.

My one line review : A charming friends-to-lovers Regency romance!

Floryie

Book Musings - Karma never loses an address by K J McGillick

Blurb :

Betrayal on Every Level

Marley Bennington had brutally murdered her older sister Samantha in a drug fueled rage. Only two people know that fact as true. One of those two people, was sitting in a state prison, serving a sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. Who was that unfortunate person? Alex Clarke, Samantha Bennington’s husband, the man so buried in circumstantial evidence that he confessed to a crime he didn’t commit, rather than face a trial. He was now trapped with no way out.

It all began as sibling rivalry and jealousy, as so many tales of treachery do. Now, that intense jealousy had ended in her sister’s murder. Once Alex was tucked safely away in prison, Marley was set to inherit millions of dollars tainted with her sister’s blood. But suddenly, two obstacles stood in her way preventing her from quickly obtaining the reward for her well executed plan. One obstacle was her brother, and the other a nosy little old lady. But for Marley, this wasn’t a problem. She had killed twice already and cheated the justice system. What were a few more bodies?

Justice delayed is justice denied. Can Marley be trapped by the very people she tried to deceive? Will karma finally visit her door? Another gripping, tangled tale from the author of Facing A Twisted Judgment.


Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MLYZC4L

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MLYZC4L 

My Musings :

Source : ARC through Rachel's Random Resources

Date read : February 12,2019

Rating : 4.5/5

Reread factor : 3/5

I didn't know when I picked up this book, there was an earlier book. I felt I could have enjoyed it better if I had read it in spite of Karma being a standalone book. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy the book. It has all the characteristics of a good read - great characters, exciting plot and breezy easy writing.

I always love a good villain and Marley hits the spot right on. She was such a cruel and fantastically evil person that I instinctively hated her. But as for her role in the story, she was marvellous.  The character I most loved was Mary. She really got my heart. I couldn't get enough of the feisty old woman. Tallulah was interesting and I might be interested in knowing her more in the future books.

The plot was full of turns and twists and had me seated on the edge of the book. I am really happy that I got grabbed the chance to read it. The cover was actually very attention grabby and had me very much interested in reading the book. The author sure knows how to get a reader to continue reading with her entertaining words. I think I better read the prequel of sorts of the book to enjoy the coming books. 

My one line review : Great characters, exciting plot and breezy easy writing.

Author Bio

K. J. McGillick was born in New York and once she started to walk she never stopped running. But that's what New Yorker's do. Right? A Registered Nurse, a lawyer now author.

As she evolved so did her career choices. After completing her graduate degree in nursing, she spent many years in the university setting sharing the dreams of the enthusiastic nursing students she taught. After twenty rewarding years in the medical field she attended law school and has spent the last twenty-four years as an attorney helping people navigate the turbulent waters of the legal system. Not an easy feat. And now? Now she is sharing the characters she loves with readers hoping they are intrigued by her twisting and turning plots and entertained by her writing

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/KJMcGillickauthor/

Kathleen McGillick

@KJMcGillickAuth

http://www.kjmcgillick.com/

https://twitter.com/KJMcGillickAuth

Cover Reveal - Ms Baker by Lea Coll

Today we have the cover reveal for Lea Coll’s MS. BAKER. Check it out and be sure to grab your copy March 26^th!

 

Title: Ms. Baker

Author: Lea Coll

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 26th

 

About Ms. Baker:

Ever since Jack protected Samantha from a high school bully, the two have been friends. But she wants more from the sexy firefighter. Too bad Jack has always seen her as the shy sweet girl, who can’t stand up for herself.   She can’t resist his boyish smile when he stops by the bakery for coffee. Or stop herself from bringing baked goods to the fire station.   It’s time to prove she’s all grown up and can take care of herself.   And show him, she’s done being friends

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

ADD ON GOODREADS!

 

Exclusive Excerpt:

My eyes traveled around the room until I saw Jack leaning against the counter by the coffee machine in his department-issued navy blue shirt, blue cargo pants, and boots. I flushed to find his eyes on mine. I couldn’t get the feel of his hands or lips out of my head. He made no move to grab a donut, so I walked over to him. “Not hungry this morning?” I asked. “Oh, I’m always hungry,” he said, his eyes steady on mine as he took a sip of his coffee. After the dream I had, I couldn’t help but take that comment literally. “You should eat an apple cider donut before they’re gone," I said, my heart pounding, I turned to grab a plate to hide my face, but Jack grabbed my hand pulling me back. “Don’t worry about it, I can get it myself,” he said. The movement knocked me off balance and I fell back onto his hard chest. His arm came around my middle to steady me. “Whoa there,” he whispered into my ear, as his body curled around mine. “I said I can get it myself. You’ve been on your feet all morning. Why don’t you sit down and rest?” I heard the guys joking around me, but couldn’t follow their conversation. “Samantha?” Jack’s voice caressed my ear again. “Yeah?” I asked, breathing in the smell of coffee, and leaning my head back a little to look up at him. His eyes crinkled in amusement and his lips tilted up into a smile. “Are you going to sit down?” His chest was warm on my back, and my hands instinctively gripped his bare forearms, which were wrapped around my waist. I wanted to sink back into him even more, but I reluctantly moved out of his hold, feeling the loss of warmth immediately. I shook my head to clear it and pulled a stool from the island to sit down. The guys were still standing around the counter, but the box of donuts was almost empty.  

   

 

Catch Up on the Series!

  About the Author:

 

Lea Coll worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing. She grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her family.  

Connect with Lea:

Website | Facebook

 

Book Musings - Governess Gone Rogue by Laura Lee Guhrke

Dear Lady Truelove . . .

My twin brother and I need a new mother, though Papa insists he’ll never marry again. Must be nice, brainy, and fond of cats . . .

Lady Truelove may be London’s most famous advice columnist, but James St. Clair, the Earl of Kenyon, knows his wild young sons need a tutor, not a new mother. They need a man tough enough to make his hellions tow the line, and James is determined to find one.

Miss Amanda Leighton, former schoolteacher and governess, knows she has all the qualifications to be a tutor. And while female tutors are unheard of, Amanda isn’t about to lose the chance at her dream job because of pesky details like that. If Lord Kenyon insists on hiring a man, then she has only one option . . .

Jamie isn’t sure what to make of his new employee, until he realizes the shocking truth—beneath the ill-fitting suits, his boys’ tutor is a woman. An unconventional, outspoken, thoroughly intriguing woman. Despite Amanda’s deception, he can’t dismiss her when his boys are learning so much. Yet Jamie, too, is learning surprising lessons—about desire, seduction, and passionate second chances . . .

About the Book

Governess Gone Rogueby Laura Lee Guhrke
SeriesDear Lady Truelove Series (All Novels Are Standalone)
GenreAdult
Historical Romance
PublisherAvon Books
Publication DateJanuary 29, 2019
Purchase Your Copy Today!Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

My Musings :

Source : ARC from Pure Textuality PR 
Date read : February 8,2019
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor :3.5/5

I was stoked when I came across this one. In no time I had signed up for an ARC because I had loved the author's books in the past. And this time too she didn't disappoint!

The main attraction of the story was the twins. I loved their antics and their mischievous minds. Followed closely was Amanda's transformation. It had me giggling, the way she tried to act as a man. I didn't know why and how Jamie didn't find out before he did. It was a pretty entertaining read. And I loved the memorable mischief and the serious moments mingled with the romance between Amanda and Jamie.

I was quite surprised when Jamie didn't turn out Amanda from his household. It gave an insight into the kind of person he was,in spite of him being an inattentive father. At the same time, I believe Amanda turned out to be the best out of the protagonists with her lively mind and intellectual demeanour. I found that the pairing wasn't as mismatched as I thought I would find.

But the one thing I didn't understand and couldn't agree with was the ending. It might have been heroic on the guys' side, but it was a tad unbelievable and hurried according to me. Other than that, I really enjoyed the funny tricks, close family ties and the head over heels love story. I look forward to reading more of the same from the author's other books!

My one line review : An entertainer with mischief and love.

About Laura Lee Guhrke

LAURA LEE GUHRKE spent seven years in advertising, had a successful catering business, and managed a construction company before she decided writing novels was more fun. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Laura has penned over twenty historical romances. Her books have received many award nominations, and she is the recipient of romance fiction’s highest honor: the Romance Writers of America RITA Award. She lives in the Northwest with her husband (or, as she calls him, her very own romance hero), along with two diva cats and a Golden Retriever happy to be their slave. Laura loves hearing from readers, and you can contact her via her website: www.lauraleeguhrke.com.

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This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.