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The Christmas Book Hunt: A Short Story by Jenny Colgan 

The Christmas Book Hunt: A Short Story

by Jenny Colgan 

The Christmas Book Hunt is a lovely festive short story. One I’m sure you could enjoy at any time of the year though.

There’s a seriously poorly elderly relative with one last wish. A niece who is determined to fulfil that wish and a bloke sent to throw a spanner in the works.

I love that this story is centred around finding a book. A unique book which isn’t going to be easy to track down, if it even exists at all!

I thoroughly enjoyed joining Mirren on her quest to make her great-aunt happy in her final days. I also enjoyed the romance she found along the way.

Lovely!

** I bought the kindle edition of this book on 17th November 2024 **

A Christmas mission…

Mirren’s beloved great-aunt Violet is seriously ill. Her one Christmas wish is to be reunited with a long-lost hand-illustrated book from her childhood, a challenge Mirren gladly accepts to give Violet some much-needed festive cheer.

An enchanting journey…

With no sign of the cherished volume online, Mirren falls into the fascinating world of rare books. From London to snowy Hay-on-Wye and Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, she chases leads from bookshop to bookshop—and bumps into mysterious, charming Theo, who, unbeknownst to her, is searching for the same book for reasons of his own…

The start of a new chapter?

As the two join forces to track the book down before time runs out for Violet, will Mirren find her Christmas miracle—and maybe even a kiss under the mistletoe… ?

Happy reading!

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Destiny Revealed: Wizard Twins (The Destiny Trilogy Series Book 1) by Cris Pasqueralle 

Destiny Revealed: Wizard Twins (The Destiny Trilogy Series Book 1) 

by Cris Pasqueralle 

Destiny Revealed begins with the thirteenth birthdays of Jack and Maddie. They aren’t your average teenagers though. They have no idea just how special they are. Their lives are turned upside down when their parents are kidnapped and taken to a different realm, and they discover it is their responsibility to rescue them as well as save all the realms!

I don’t read a lot of Fantasy or a lot of YA fiction, but I enjoyed this story. It was like a breath of fresh air with it being so different to what I generally read. A great start to a series. One I think will appeal to many readers, young or old!

** I purchased the kindle edition of this book on 19th April 2020 **

THE MAGIC BEGINS…
On the day of their thirteenth birthdays, twins Jack and Maddie Austin receive a special gift from their wizard relative Uncle Benny: two necklaces, along with a note shrouded in secrecy. The celebration is interrupted by three intruders, led by the evil being Tardon, who kidnaps the twin’s parents. Uncle Benny manages to escape with the twins and later, reveals the truth behind both their gifts and identities: that Jack and Maddie are powerful wizards from the magical realm. Now, faced with the decision of a lifetime, they must return to that realm, rescue their parents and save all the realms from imminent doom. Praise for Destiny Revealed: “Great fantasy fiction for young adults!” “A High Fantasy Quest not to be missed!”

Happy reading!

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Fight Back (Kerry Casey, Book 2) by Anna Smith

Fight Back (Kerry Casey, Book 2)

by Anna Smith

Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, book one of this series, Blood Feud, I was very much looking forward to catching up with Kerry Casey and the gang again in Fight Back. They’re an interesting bunch and live lives so far removed from my own it makes it the perfect book to lose yourself in. I don’t think I’d ever sleep if I was involved in the sort of things these characters get up to, but I know very well these sorts of things go on in this world. Scary stuff! Kerry Casey is one tough lady though and she won’t be intimidated by anyone. However powerful they are, or think they are. Kerry is still determined to turn the “family business” into a legitimate one, but other people are determined to make this as difficult as possible for her. Of course, this makes for a more interesting story. One I very much enjoyed. I’m looking forward to reading book 3, hopefully soon.

** I purchased the paperback edition of Fight Back on the 14th of August 2024 **

Gangster Kerry Casey has fought her way to the top of the Glasgow crime scene. But can she stay there?

Kerry Casey is now a fully-fledged gangland boss. With her business partner Sharon and her wily lawyer Marty at her side, she is busy ridding her organisation of the drug-dealing, people-trafficking scum her dead brother Mickey got them involved with. But her great dream is still to take the Caseys straight.

Her plan to turn her organisation around hinges on building a property empire in Spain. But Kerry has some deadly rivals – in Glasgow, on the Costa del Sol, and even further afield. They will never believe she has what it takes to defend her turf, and they won’t rest until the Caseys are destroyed.

Treat yourself

Happy reading!

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#FlashbackFriday December 2024

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month, I like to look back at the books I was reading the previous year during the same month.

Please do join in if you have the time, I’d love to see your posts 🙂

A big thank you to those who already join in regularly! xx

Here are my reviews from December 2023 + a link to previous December FBFs….

One Letter by Marcie Steele @marcie_steele

The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson

My Unexpected Christmas Wedding (How to Win a Monroe, Book 2) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52

The Addiction Manifesto by JR Weaver

Eve: How The Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon

One Christmas Eve by Shari Low @sharilow
#FlashbackFriday December 2023

Merry Christmas & Happy reading!

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The Berlin Agent (John Cook, Book 2) by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson #NetGalley

The Berlin Agent (John Cook, Book 2)

by Stephen Ronson 

Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The Last Line I was excited to receive an invite to read and review The Berlin Agent. (Apologies to the author and publisher for the delay.)

John Cook is a brilliant character. I think I said in my previous review that he is a bloke I would want on my side in any kind of crisis. I imagine he’s quite easy on the eye too!

During this book, Cook and Lady Margaret are tasked with fighting the Nazi’s as they land on British soil. Risking their own lives in the hope of protecting the country, and the people, they love.  A risky mission, but one which Cook accepts without question for his own safety.

This book is full of action and suspense. It even has a bit of romance, which I love!

A brilliantly written historical fiction novel. An excellent series so far. I look forward to book three!

** Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley **

A country at war. Bombers fill the skies. A parachute drops in the dead of night…

‘A gripping World War Two thriller that masterfully blends historical accuracy with intense action… Every shadow hides a potential threat, and the tension never lets up. A must read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

England 1940: Paris has fallen to the Third Reich. Farmer John Cook and society heiress Lady Margaret are waiting for the day when German tanks roll across the green fields of their homes. Both are ready for the moment they will disappear into the woods and the fields to carry out their top-secret orders – to do whatever it takes to fight the Nazis once they arrive on British soil.

Their worst fears are realised when a parachutist drops from a German bomber during an air raid. Arriving at the scene, Cook finds the white silk hanging from a branch, and a mysterious crate containing a complex piece of machinery. The spy is nowhere to be found.

But at night, Cook and Margaret hear German voices in the darkness. Reports come in of others hearing similar things, and there are whispers of an agent from Berlin…

With enemies already hiding among them, how far will Cook and Margaret go to protect the country and the people they love?

An absolutely gripping WWII historical thriller that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Robert Harris, Kate Quinn and Rory Clements.

Everyone is gripped by the John Cook novels:

‘Thrilling WWII set thriller that has heart-pounding action, but more importantly, a lot of heart… Completely gripping… A narrative that is as taut as piano wire!.. .Not to be missed if you enjoy action-packed historical thrillers’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘My God, this was great. It left me with a book hangover. I felt like I was there in 1940s England… I learned so much from this book… The writing is really 3D. You really feel like you’re there. It’s very immersive, and I love the witty humour. John Cook is a wonderful character’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘John Cook is the Jack Reacher of 1940’s Britain‘ Damien Lewis

‘A compelling read and felt as if I was actually back in 1939. A delicious group of main characters… Great read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A brilliant noir thriller set in the darkest days of the Second World War‘ Stephen Leather

Treat yourself

I.C.Y.M.I

The Last Line by Stephen Ronson @Stephen_Ronson

Happy reading!

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Blood Feud (Kerry Casey Book 1) by Anna Smith 

Blood Feud (Kerry Casey Book 1) 

by Anna Smith 

This book is right up my street and an excellent start to a series. I soon found myself immersed in the criminal world that Kerry Casey soon finds herself the head of.

So much goes on in this first instalment I could barely keep up! There are lots of interesting characters, some not as likeable as others which is to be expected given the lives they lead and the ‘work’ they partake in.

Kerry is a feisty but likeable character. She didn’t like the way her brother ran things and is keen to get the family business back to operating within the law, as per her father’s wishes, but this can’t happen overnight and there are some dangerous people in her way….

A story of family, friendship, crime, and revenge. I loved it and I’ve already started book two in the series, Fight Back.

They came for her family. Now she’s coming for them. This nail-biting thriller introduces Glasgow’s newest gangland mistress, Kerry Casey.

Kerry Casey thought she’d made a life away from the dirty dealings of her gangster family. Her father wanted to make them legit – her brother Mickey had other ideas, and now it’s got him killed. When Mickey’s funeral turns into a bloodbath at the hands of a group of anonymous shooters and Kerry’s mother is killed in the crossfire, Kerry finds herself at the head of the Casey family, and desperate for revenge.

Running a crime empire is not a job she ever asked for, and not one she wants, but Kerry is determined to fulfil her father’s wishes and make the Caseys go straight. First, though, she will find the men who murdered her mother, and she will take them down, no matter what it costs.

Happy reading!

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Fatal Infatuation (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 1) by Melanie Nowak 

Fatal Infatuation (Almost Human – The First Trilogy Book 1) 

by Melanie Nowak 

Fatal Infatuation is an extremely enjoyable read. It reminds me of The Vampire Diaries television series, which I love!

Felicity is a likeable character who is finding her feet at college. (I love that she gets a part time job at the bookstore.) Ben is a lovely character, and he takes a shine to Felicity, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t quite have the same charisma as Cain. Cain is an elder vampire on a mission to protect the town’s residents, hoping to teach new vampires how to live in peace with humans or face the consequences. Hostile vampires are led by Sindy though, and Sindy finds it more fun using humans as treats and trying to see how far she can push Cain. Felicity soon becomes enticing prey.

Felicity doesn’t realise Cain is a vampire the first few times they meet. When she discovers the truth she finds she’s less intimidated than she perhaps should be. Cain is captivated by her and Ben is keen to protect her from him.

An excellent start to a series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to continue with the rest of the series soon.

** Many thanks to Melanie Nowak for my epub review copy **

Shy Felicity never expected to attract the attention of a handsome young man… or a vampire, but if she can keep them both from killing each other she’ll need all the help she can get to navigate discoveries of desire; perils of zombies and vampires; and struggles with friendship, morality and…college.

Cain is an elder vampire who displays quiet confidence even as he struggles to overcome sins of his past. Surprisingly, he found that in losing his life he gained his faith and a purpose. His mission: find the hostile vampires that inhabit this small college town, and educate them to live in peace with humans. Their leader, Sindy, is a wicked temptress who has set her sights on Felicity’s new friend Ben. She will be difficult to control, but after meeting Felicity, Cain’s most difficult task lies in controlling himself.

Happy reading!

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#FlashbackFriday November 2024

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month, I like to look back at the books I was reading the previous year during the same month.

Please do join in if you have the time, I’d love to see your posts 🙂

A big thank you to those who already join in regularly! xx

Here are my reviews from November 2023 + a link to previous November FBFs….

Do No Harm by Jack Jordan @JackJordanBooks

The Pieces of Us by Caroline Montague @CMontagueAuthor
#FlashbackFriday November 2023

happy reading!

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HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY, @MalHavardWriter The Queen of Lisbon (The Lisbon Novels Book 2) by Malcolm Havard #PublicationDay #BookPromotion @BoBookPublicity

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY, MALCOLM HAVARD!

The Queen of Lisbon: In a city full of spies and wolfram smugglers, a ruthless killer lurks in the shadowy alleyways. (The Lisbon Novels Book 2)

by Malcolm Havard

October 1941. Lisbon is crowded. Crowded with refugees trying to get to the safety of the Americas; packed with black-market smugglers; and full of agents, spies and informers, striving for influence and advantage playing a deadly game with the lives of the sailors who pass through the city. This means the case files of Dinis Lopes, a former cop, are also full as he is now the main troubleshooter for the Portuguese dictator Salazar.

Lopes, a fundamentally good man, has problems; trapped in a loveless marriage, mourning a love affair gone sour with a Jewish refugee, Elena, and worried for the safety of his assistant and friend, Costa, he little realises he’s about to be dragged into a deadly plot that puts him and everyone he knows and loves at risk.

But then Elena sets aside her differences with Lopes. She does this to get his help in catching a killer who is stalking her fellow refugees.

OUT NOW!

Praise for Book 1, Lisbon ’41….


5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2024

Verified Purchase

My first outing with this author, easy read, good characters, I enjoyed this book overall, looking forward to the next instalment.


5.0 out of 5 stars a great read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 October 2024

Verified Purchase

Enjoyed every minute of this thriller. Great plot and characters. Kept me guessing right to the end. A real page turner.


5.0 out of 5 stars Tense thriller, plot moves fast and historical background intriguing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2024

Verified Purchase

Really enjoyed this book. Actually, read it in a day on holiday!

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Fake Fling With The Billionaire (Mills & Boon True Love) by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52

Fake Fling With The Billionaire (Mills & Boon True Love)

by Rachael Stewart 

Fake Fling with the Billionaire is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Rachael Stewart. I don’t think I’ve disliked any of her main characters yet.

Cassie is extremely likable, and Hugo is just divine. We meet them both in Paris, the perfect place for romance!

Of course, not all is plain sailing. They both have a past they are battling to move on from and they are both in the public eye. They decide pretending to be in love might give the paparazzi something new to report. Take the heat off Cassie for a while….

It’s only temporary, and not real of course! Or B….

I absolutely loved this story!

I loved the setting and the characters (I really liked Hugo’s mother, and his father grew on me eventually). I loved being swept along as Hugo shows Cassie Paris at its finest. He’s exceptionally romantic and thoughtful. No wonder Cassie falls for him!

This book made me smile, a lot!

The epilogue brought a tear to my eye.

Beautiful!

** Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for my review copy **

Treat yourself

Happy reading!