Series Reading Project / Cursebreakers Series by Brigid Kemmerer

As well as The Court of Thorns and Roses series, this was a series that I wanted to pick up and read sooner rather than later.  A Vow So Bold in Deadly having been released this year (2021) was the third book in this series that I had bought but not yet read.  I had read the first book in the series but not the other two.  

I am not sure whether this is just going to remain as a trilogy or have more books coming soon, but I hope there are more books to read in this world.  How it left at the end of book 3 was a resolution of sorts but I was most certainly left with the feeling that there was so much more left in this world that I want to learn.  

There wasn't anything specific that I had an issue with in this series but I am very curious about the ending of A Vow So Bold and Deadly where it was, for me, left a bit open ended and not a real conclusion but I am hoping for either more in this series or maybe a spinoff?

What I loved the most about this trilogy is the romance.  What you think might be the perfect romance at the beginning has a twist in the tale a way in and what comes after that is better than what you had read before that.  I don't wait to give away spoilers to those who have not yet read this trilogy, so that is why I am not being specific here but for those of you who have read this trilogy you will know what I mean. 

 

 

 

 

Series Reading Project / A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

With the release of A Court of Silver Flames this year (2021), there was no question that I was going to read that the same year that it came out.

What I can't do with series is just read the latest book that comes out and means that more often than not I will wait until the series has been completed before I pick them up, so I can read them from start to finish.  I made an exception with this series as I knew I loved this author's writing style having read and loved her Throne of Glass series.  That means that with each release that comes out I will re-read the books that came before it before I read the latest version.  That way I make the most of the story and the world in what has come before and what I have yet to lean in the new release.

I have never been disappointed with Sarah J Maas novels to date (the only book I haven't read yet is Crescent City but that's on my list for very soon) and this series was no different.  I loved this, including A Court of Frost and Starlight although it probably doesn't add a great deal to the series a whole it does give more insight into the world and worth picking up.

I was a bit skeptical when finally being able to pick up and read A Court of Silver Flames as this story concentrates on a character that I really didn't care for much in this story for so far but on reading the story it soon changed my mind and, in fact, I liked that character's story a lot more than the original characters.

From Goodreads, it looks like there are going to be two more books in this series and I can't wait to read what happens next...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read all Cecelia Ahern Novels / An Update

Another one of my projects this year was to read all of the novels written by Cecelia Ahern.  

Over the years, I have been picking these up having read PS I Love You and one or two others around the same time longer than recent years and really enjoying them.  This reading project has lasted a couple of years, picking them up every now and again when I feel in the mood to read this style of story.  I always find that is the best way for me to pick up the books I read nowadays rather than setting a TBR.  Setting 'projects' as a long term goal seems to motivate me more to pick up those books rather than picking up the shiny new releases (although I do pick those up too!)

If I had to choose, I would say that my favourites include If You Could See Me Now and the Flawed duology.   Although I did re-read If You Could See Me Now recently and I have to admit that I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first time around, I still enjoyed the story, which I would describe as magical.  The Flawed Duology is one of my favourites simply because of the message that it gives.  This duology is aimed at Young Adults, but can be read by any one of any age, but sends out a message that you don't have to be perfect.  No one is perfect.

If I had to choose the book that I liked the least, I would have to say The Gift but that's for purely personal reasons.  I don't usually like Christmas novels and this one definatley is one of those. 

As you will see from the picture below, I have now completed this project (yey!); the last books read were PS I Love you and Postscript.  

I can't wait to see what comes next for this author. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read All John Grisham Novels / An Update

For the past year and a half, even before the first lockdown happened, I have been working my way through reading all the novels written by John Grisham, who is one of my most favourite authors of all time.  I can remember the first time I picked up and read one of his novels.  It was The Testamaent. It was back when I was around 18 and I was getting back into reading again after not reading very much in my teenage years.  The story blew me away with its complex family dynamics and adventure.  The next one I remember picking up straight after that one was the Street Lawyer, which is a completely different style of novel but one that I enjoyed just as much.  That was when I knew I loved this author!

So far I have read those that are ticked below.  I can't believe that I only have three left.  Apologies for not updating this blog with how my reading has been going with this project but there's plenty more projects to be completed this year that I will be updating you on and plans for the next couple of years I can't wait to start... 

So, here is where I am so far...

(All credit for the pictures are from John Grisham's author website here - https://www.jgrisham.com/books/)

 

I can't believe that I have only a few more to read and then I will have read all John Grisham's published works to date!  I have had so much fun working my way through these novels.

Hoping to finish these by the end of this year and plan to pick up A Time to Kill as a re-read first as, from what I have read, A Time to Kill, Sycamore Row and A Time for Mercy all connect to each other in some way and I want to immerse myself fully in the story from start to finish to get the maximum benefit from the story.  There is then the new release coming in October (in the UK) which I also can't wait for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / The Time of my Life by Cecelia Ahern

Lucy Silchester has an appointment with her life – and she’s going to have to keep it.

Lying on Lucy Silchester’s carpet one day when she returns from work is a gold envelope. Inside is an invitation – to a meeting with Life. Her life. It turns out she's been ignoring it and it needs to meet with her face to face.

It sounds peculiar, but Lucy’s read about this in a magazine. Anyway, she can’t make the date: she’s much too busy despising her job, skipping out on her friends and avoiding her family.

But Lucy’s life isn’t what it seems. Some of the choices she’s made – and stories she’s told – aren’t what they seem either. From the moment she meets the man who introduces himself as her life, her stubborn half-truths are going to be revealed in all their glory – unless Lucy learns to tell the truth about what really matters to her.
 

 

Published:     13th October 2011
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source: Bought

 

MY REVIEW

What I like the most about picking up a Cecelia Ahern book is things are not always what they seem.  You may get one or two (or maybe more) characters that are portrayed as one thing but are really meant to be another.   I really enjoy that element of trying to figure out what is going on.

With this novel, I do have to admit that I did figure it out quite early on what was going on but that didn't stop me enjoying the ride this story too me.  In fact, I think that was the point of the story, to figure out what was going on early on and watch as Lucy deals with this new situation she is in.

What I enjoyed the most was following Lucy's journey throughout the story.  In the start we really see her as a mess and as the story goes along we see her change.  For me, the plot of the story was ok but the characterisation and journey of the main character made this an enjoyable read for me.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Layla by Colleen Hoover

 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love.

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.

 

Published:     8th December 2020
Publisher:  Montlake
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned
 

 

MY REVIEW

 

I thought it was about time I got back into another Colleen Hoover book, as it has been so long.  I do enjoy her books and her writing style is always something I enjoy but I find that there is always some kind of moral drama or question that I always have coming out of her books that lasts for days that I need to be in the right mood to pick one up.

Well, this book was fairly twisted and intriguing at the same time.  I spent most of this book wondering what on earth was going on?!  My oh my, I was expecting a romance and yes it was a romance of some sort but very twisted and that ending I didn't see coming and was very good!

Would highly recommend!  If you haven't picked up a Colleen Hoover book this would be a good one to pick up to start with.

 

 

Book Review / The Rooster Bar by John Grisham

 

Mark, Todd, and Zola came to law school to change the world, to make it a better place. But now, as third-year students, these close friends realize they have been duped. They all borrowed heavily to attend a third-tier, for-profit law school so mediocre that its graduates rarely pass the bar exam, let alone get good jobs. And when they learn that their school is one of a chain owned by a shady New York hedge-fund operator who also happens to own a bank specializing in student loans, the three know they have been caught up in The Great Law School Scam.
But maybe there's a way out. Maybe there’s a way to escape their crushing debt, expose the bank and the scam, and make a few bucks in the process. But to do so, they would first have to quit school. And leaving law school a few short months before graduation would be completely crazy, right? Well, yes and no . . .
Pull up a stool, grab a cold one, and get ready to spend some time at The Rooster Bar.
 

 

Published:     24th October 2017
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned
 

 

MY REVIEW

I was really looking forward to reading this one as this is one of the more recent novels that I hadn't read by this author.  Haven gone through reading all of his novels in date order, I am now at the point with John Grisham's novels where I have been purchasing the books but waiting to read them until I get to that point in the timeline.   With most of John Grisham's novels they are about the law and following a lawyer in one way or another but this story has a different spin on that.

We follow law students who are studying law at a law school.  These law students haven't been lucky enough to be able to have their education paid for them by family members so they have had to take out student loans meaning they owe hundreds of thousands of pounds even before they are able to get a job.  One of the law students has a theory that this is all a scam and the other students decide to take matters into their own hands.   I didn't necessarily agree with the fact that they were practicing law without licenses and potentially hurting lots of people (and maybe helping them) in scenarios where they probably don't know how to deal with.  But I didn't sign up to this story to like the characters I was reading about.  I was following their stories to see how they reacted and dealt with each. 

I couldn't put this book down! For me, this was fast paced, with plenty of action and lots of twists and turns in this story.   No I didn't really like a lot of the characters in this story but I enjoyed following their stories to see where they ended up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / The Last Child by John Hart

Thirteen year-old Johnny Merrimon had the perfect life: a warm home and loving parents; a twin sister, Alyssa, with whom he shared an irreplaceable bond. He knew nothing of loss, until the day Alyssa vanished from the side of a lonely street. Now, a year later, Johnny finds himself isolated and alone, failed by the people he'd been taught since birth to trust. No one else believes that Alyssa is still alive, but Johnny is certain that she is—confident in a way that he can never fully explain.

Determined to find his sister, Johnny risks everything to explore the dark side of his hometown. It is a desperate, terrifying search, but Johnny is not as alone as he might think. Detective Clyde Hunt has never stopped looking for Alyssa either, and he has a soft spot for Johnny. He watches over the boy and tries to keep him safe, but when Johnny uncovers a dangerous lead and vows to follow it, Hunt has no choice but to intervene.

Then a second child goes missing...

Undeterred by Hunt's threats or his mother's pleas, Johnny enlists the help of his last friend, and together they plunge into the wild, to a forgotten place with a history of violence that goes back more than a hundred years. There, they meet a giant of a man, an escaped convict on his own tragic quest. What they learn from him will shatter every notion Johnny had about the fate of his sister; it will lead them to another far place, to a truth that will test both boys to the limit.

Traveling the wilderness between innocence and hard wisdom, between hopelessness and faith, The Last Child leaves all categories behind and establishes John Hart as a writer of unique power.
 

Published:     12th May 2009
Publisher:  Minotaur books
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 1, Johnny Merrimon
Source:  Owned

MY REVIEW

 

I've not read this author before but his writing has definately intrigued me and has been one of those authors that I have been meaning to pick up and read for a long time now.   Also, to be honest, the cover was also one of the reasons I really wanted to read this!

We follow thirteen year old Johnny Merrimon in this story.  His sister has vanished and all of sudden his perfect life has changed.  His dad has run off, his mum has distanced herself from everything and taken to drugs and now has a boyfriend who is a less than desirable character.  Johnny really wants to find his sister, so he sets out to try and find her.

This was a slow story to read and one of those stories that you should take your time reading rather than trying to devour in one or two sittings.  For me, the best part of this story was, of course, the main character Johnny and his interactions with the local investor/cop who knows Johnny all too well and is watching his back to make sure he doesn't get into trouble.  Its a complicated friendship but one that I enjoyed following. 

There were certainly twists and turns in this story that kept me turning those pages and certainly a couple of plot twists near the end that I found very surprising!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / The Familiars by Stacey Halls

Young Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a noblewoman, is with child again. None of her previous pregnancies have borne fruit, and her husband, Richard, is anxious for an heir. Then Fleetwood discovers a hidden doctor’s letter that carries a dire prediction: she will not survive another birth. By chance she meets a midwife named Alice Grey, who promises to help her deliver a healthy baby. But Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft.

Is there more to Alice than meets the eye? Fleetwood must risk everything to prove her innocence. As the two women’s lives become intertwined, the Witch Trials of 1612 loom. Time is running out; both their lives are at stake. Only they know the truth. Only they can save each other.

Rich and compelling, set against the frenzy of the real Pendle Hill Witch Trials, this novel explores the rights of 17th-century women and raises the question: Was witch-hunting really women-hunting? Fleetwood Shuttleworth, Alice Grey and the other characters are actual historical figures. King James I was obsessed with asserting power over the lawless countryside (even woodland creatures, or “familiars,” were suspected of dark magic) by capturing “witches”—in reality mostly poor and illiterate women.
 

Published:     19th September 2019
Publisher:  Zaffre
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone: Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

This was one of those books that I picked up on a whim.  Honestly, I thought the cover was pretty and it was a story about witches, which I love to read about, whether that his stories that are historically accurate or ones that are completely fictional.   Although I believe this story is completely fictoinal, it does have a feeling of being very historic and something that could have definately happened in the past.  

We follow Fleetwood who is in a new marriage and has tried and desperately been unable to carry a child to full term.  She is now pregnant again.  When she discovers a doctors letter which basically says that if she can't carry this child to full term it will also take her life as well, she decides to try and find a solution.  She meets Alice Gray who helps her along  We are in an era where woman who can perform miracles and even work with herbs etc are called witches and being a witch is dangerous as if you are caught you are more than likely going to go to trial and be sentenced to death.

This was a very addicting read.  This was also a slow paced book for me but I think that just added to the mystery and intrigue in this story, so I loved that part of it.   There were certainly quite a few twists and turns in this book and a few surprises that caught me off guard.

Would highly recommend this novel if you like historical reads.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Cop Town by Karin Slaughter

 Atlanta, 1974. As a brutal killing and a furious manhunt rock the city, Kate Murphy wonders if her first day on the police force will also be her last. For life is anything but easy in the male-dominated world of the Atlanta Police Department, where even the other female cops have little mercy for the new girl.

Kate isn’t the only woman on the force who is finding things tough. Maggie Lawson followed her uncle and brother into the ranks to prove her worth in their cynical eyes. When Maggie and Kate become partners, and are sidelined in the search for the city’s cop killer, their fury, pain, and pride finally reach boiling point.

With the killer poised to strike again, will Kate and Maggie have the courage to pursue their own line of investigation? And are they prepared to risk everything as they venture into the city’s darkest heart?

 

 

Published:     17th June 2014
Publisher:  Cornerstone
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

Having read Pieces of Her by this author a little while ago and loved the writing style and loved that story, I knew that I just had to pick up another of her novels.  Honestly, I just picked one at random and this was the one I decided to go for.  

This book was so addictive I found it hard to put down!  We are following Kate who has started her first day on the police force and she's about to learn some hard lessons from both the outside world and from those inside the police force.  This story is based back in the 1970s so you have a lot of sexism in the police force, which Kate also has to combat.  There's also a serial killer on the loose who appears to be a cop killer.  Although I don't think it is Kate's case, because her brother is involved she tries to find out the truth about what is going on.  

So addictive and fast paced, I loved every minute.  Its not often that I get surprised by a book, but this novel certainly has a few twists and turns that I genuinely didn't see coming!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Firzgerald

 

 

Jay Gatsby is the man who has everything. But one thing will always be out of his reach. Everybody who is anybody is seen at his glittering parties. Day and night his Long Island mansion buzzes with bright young things drinking, dancing, and debating his mysterious character. For Gatsby---young, handsome, and fabulously rich---always seems alone in the crowd, watching and waiting, though no one knows what for. Beneath the shimmering surface of his life he is hiding a secret: a silent longing that can never be fulfilled. And soon this destructive obsession will force his world to unravel.

 

 

 

 

Published:    10th April 1925
Publisher:  Scribner
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

I have been meaning to pick up this book for so long now.  I think it is because it is a 'classic' I think that it is going to be hard work to read it just like if you pick up a Dickins or something similar (which I have always struggled with in the past).  I am so glad that I picked this up. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time reading this book.

What surprised me, having deliberately not read up about anything in this book, that the story doesn't, in fact, follow Gatsby but actually follows another person and we see Gatsby through the eyes of that person, which made the both the story and the character of Gatsby so much more intriguing to me as you can't hear his thoughts or opinions but just what he portrays himself to be to others which probably adds to the mystique of the character.  There's no way to know his secrets until he wants to tell you about them.  

What also surprised me with this book was that there was a small element of complicated romance in this story as well and I have to say that this was the part that I did enjoy the most!

If you struggle to pick up a classic and want to start with something easier to read, easier to follow and a short read, give this one a go.  You won't be disappointed. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Camino Winds by John Grisham

Welcome back to Camino Island, where anything can happen—even a murder in the midst of a hurricane, which might prove to be the perfect crime . . .

Just as Bruce Cable’s Bay Books is preparing for the return of bestselling author Mercer Mann, Hurricane Leo veers from its predicted course and heads straight for the island. Florida’s governor orders a mandatory evacuation, and most residents board up their houses and flee to the mainland, but Bruce decides to stay and ride out the storm.

The hurricane is devastating: homes and condos are leveled, hotels and storefronts ruined, streets flooded, and a dozen people lose their lives. One of the apparent victims is Nelson Kerr, a friend of Bruce’s and an author of thrillers. But the nature of Nelson’s injuries suggests that the storm wasn’t the cause of his death: He has suffered several suspicious blows to the head.

Who would want Nelson dead? The local police are overwhelmed in the aftermath of the storm and ill equipped to handle the case. Bruce begins to wonder if the shady characters in Nelson’s novels might be more real than fictional. And somewhere on Nelson’s computer is the manuscript of his new novel. Could the key to the case be right there—in black and white? As Bruce starts to investigate, what he discovers between the lines is more shocking than any of Nelson’s plot twists—and far more dangerous.
 

Published:     28th April 2020
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 2, Camino Island
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

After reading Camino Island, I knew that I had to pick up Camino Winds straight afterwards.  I was still in the story and refused to want to leave it.  I was so glad that there was a second book in this series.

We are back in that sleepy town resort, Camino Island, and back at the bookstore owned by Bruce Cable.  There are a few characters that were in Camino Island that are back in this second book in the series.  I loved that.  It gave the story an element of 'realness' to it, if that is such a word...   It was just like you were visiting a place again that you travelled to not that long ago.

This time a hurricane has hit the island (although we do see build up to the hurricane arriving as well) and someone is found dead but not necessarily because of the hurricane.  How did this person die and if it was murder, why?  Did he know too much?

Loved this book just as much as I did Camino Island.  I reallyl do hope that John Grisham will revisit this island again in future books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Camino Island by John Grisham

A gang of thieves stage a daring heist from a vault deep below Princeton University's Firestone Library. Their loot is priceless, impossible to resist.

Bruce Cable owns a popular bookstore in the sleepy resort town of Santa Rosa on Camino Island in Florida. He makes his real money, though, as a prominent dealer in rare books. Very few people know that he occasionally dabbles in unsavory ventures.

Mercer Mann is a young novelist with a severe case of writer's block who has recently been laid off from her teaching position. She is approached by an elegant, mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. A generous monetary offer convinces Mercer to go undercover and infiltrate Cable's circle of literary friends, to get close to the ringleader, to discover his secrets.

But soon Mercer learns far too much, and there's trouble in paradise--as only John Grisham can deliver it.

 

Published:     6th June 2017
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 45, In Death
Source:  Review Copy from Publisher

 

MY REVIEW

 

This book is different to most of John Grisham's novels in that we don't follow a lawyer and the plot is not following a legal case.  Out of all of the newer books written by this author that I had not read yet, this one was one that I was most excited for as not only it is different from most of his previous novels but this was based around a bookstore.  What more could you want!

I loved this book.  We are following Mercer who is a young novelist who is given a proposal by a mysterious woman working for a mysterious compnay to go undercover and get close to both the bookstore in a sleepy resort town and the owner, Bruce Cable.

I adored all of this book but to be more specific enjoyed the characters and their progression through the book.  Not only do you have the main character, Mercer, who at the start is very unsure of herself but as we follow the story through she certainly has to make choices that makes her stronger.  You also have a variety of different other characters in this story that live in that sleepy town resort that we get to know.  Some of them are good and some of them not so much. 

There were certainly quite a lot of twists and turns in this story.  It certainly kept me guessing as to what exactly was going on.  I had my suspicions but loved the ride this story took me on to get to the ending.  

If you are not a big fan of legal thrillers but do want to try a John Grisham novel, you need to pick this up!

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / The Whistler by John Grisham

We expect our judges to be honest and wise. Their integrity and impartiality are the bedrock of the entire judicial system. We trust them to ensure fair trials, to protect the rights of all litigants, to punish those who do wrong, and to oversee the orderly and efficient flow of justice.

But what happens when a judge bends the law or takes a bribe? It’s rare, but it happens.

Lacy Stoltz is an investigator for the Florida Board on Judicial Conduct. She is a lawyer, not a cop, and it is her job to respond to complaints dealing with judicial misconduct. After nine years with the Board, she knows that most problems are caused by incompetence, not corruption.

But a corruption case eventually crosses her desk. A previously disbarred lawyer is back in business with a new identity. He now goes by the name Greg Myers, and he claims to know of a Florida judge who has stolen more money than all other crooked judges combined. And not just crooked judges in Florida. All judges, from all states, and throughout U.S. history.

What’s the source of the ill-gotten gains? It seems the judge was secretly involved with the construction of a large casino on Native American land. The Coast Mafia financed the casino and is now helping itself to a sizable skim of each month’s cash. The judge is getting a cut and looking the other way. It’s a sweet deal: Everyone is making money.

But now Greg wants to put a stop to it. His only client is a person who knows the truth and wants to blow the whistle and collect millions under Florida law. Greg files a complaint with the Board on Judicial Conduct, and the case is assigned to Lacy Stoltz, who immediately suspects that this one could be dangerous.

Dangerous is one thing. Deadly is something else.
 

Published:     25th October 2016
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 1, The Whistler
Source: Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

I can't tell you how much fun I am having re-reading all of John Grisham's novels, especially as I have now got to the point where I have not read those books.  This book came out in 2016 and that was about the same time I started to collect John Grisham's novels (hardback, for sure, some where very difficult to find) ready to read and it was from that point that I would still buy his novels when they come out but not read them as I wanted to start from the oldest to the newest.  

What I loved about this book was, of course, the plot.  We are following investors, mainly Lacy, from the Board on Judicial Contact (not a lawyer this time) who receives a complaint against a local judge, which they are obliged to investigate.  Although, for me, there were not as many twists and turns that I would have liked, I still enjoyed every minute of this story.  Certainly, the events that lead up to the ending just kept me on the edge of my seat.  I couldn't put the book down!!

If you have not yet picked up a John Grisham novel, you should!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Witness to a Trial by John Grisham

A startling and original courtroom drama from New York Times #1 Bestseller John Grisham that is the prequel to his newest legal thriller, THE WHISTLER
 
A judge’s first murder trial.

A defense attorney in over his head.

A prosecutor out for blood and glory.

The accused, who is possibly innocent.

And the killer, who may have just committed the perfect crime.

 

 

 

 

Published:     27th September 2016
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 0.5, The Whistler
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

I had not realised this was a prequel to The Whistler until I came to pick it up after I had read The Whistler and although I enjoyed this short story I would highly recommend picking this up before reading The Whistler as it is a great introduction to characters and the plot.  

I enjoyed this and it certainly did add more to the main story, but definitely should read this first!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson

 

A bride’s dream honeymoon becomes a nightmare when a man with whom she’s had a regrettable one-night stand shows up in this psychological thriller from the author of Eight Perfect Murders. Abigail Baskin never thought she’d fall in love with a millionaire. Then she met Bruce Lamb. But right before the wedding, Abigail has a drunken one-night stand on her bachelorette weekend. She puts the incident—and the sexy guy who wouldn’t give her his real name—out of her mind, and now believes she wants to be with Bruce for the rest of her life.

Then the mysterious stranger suddenly appears—and Abigail’s future life and happiness are turned upside down. He insists that their passionate night was the beginning of something special and he’s tracked her down to prove it.

Does she tell Bruce and ruin their idyllic honeymoon—and possibly their marriage? Or should she handle this psychopathic stalker on her own? To make the situation worse, strange things begin to happen. She sees a terrified woman in the night shadows, and no one at the resort seems to believe anything is amiss… including her perfect new husband.

 

Published:     23rd March 2021
Publisher:  William Morrow
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source: Owned

 

MY REVIEW

Having only discovered this author last year and immediately reading all of his books, I couldn't wait to read this new novel.  

With this story we follow the main character, Abigail, as she marries the love of her life and head off on their honeymoon which was the one thing that her new husband had organised and she had no idea where they are going so it will be a nice surprise. Unfortunately, just before she married she had a drunken one night stand with a random person and although she might have thought that she could leave that all behind and forget it, she may not be able to.  

Very suspenseful and had me at the edge of my seat all the way through.  I have to admit that I read this in one sitting on a very quiet Sunday and have no regrets!  If I had to be picky I would have loved a few more twists and turns, or surprises, but still a thoroughly enjoyable read and worth picking up. 

 

 

Cursebreakers Series (A Curse so Dark and Lonely) by Brigid Kemmerer

Fall in love, break the curse.

Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year, Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, thought he could be saved easily if a girl fell for him. But that was before he turned into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. Before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, Harper learned to be tough enough to survive. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she's pulled into a magical world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. A prince? A curse? A monster? As she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

 

Published:     2019, 2020 and 2021
Publisher:  Bloomsbury YA
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Books 1, 2 and 3, Cursebreakers
Source: Owned

 

MY REVIEW

I read the first book in this series, A Curse So Dark and Lonely back in 2018 when I had very kindly received an advanced readers copy from the publisher and loved it.  It had certainly been my intention of continuing with the series but, for me, I like to try the first book in the series to see whether I like it or not and if I do then I tend to wait until all the books are out in that series and then binge read them one after the other so I get the 'full impact' of the story while you are still in the world.

I loved this trilogy.  I am not sure whether there are going to be any more books in this trilogy/series as the way it was left at the end of the third book left me thinking either way really.  I would be happy if it was left as a trilogy but equally I would love to have more books in this series.  

What I loved about this story was the character development.  Following most of the characters, I found it interesting that characters that I loved at the beginning I ended up hating and vice versa changed the more into this trilogy I got into.  What I also loved was the world and the conflicts that appear between different characters and different 'sanctions' of this world.  

This was such a fun trilogy to read and good one to pick up if you don't want anything too complicated. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Partners by John Grisham

JOHN GRISHAM'S FIRST ORIGINAL E-SHORT
 
In this standalone prequel to his #1 bestseller ROGUE LAWYER, John Grisham tells the story of how Sebastian Rudd finally found someone he could trust to be his driver, bodyguard, law clerk, and partner.
 
Sebastian Rudd, rogue lawyer, defends people other lawyers won't go near. It's controversial and dangerous work, which is why Sebastian needs his bodyguard/assistant/sidekick: Partner. So if Sebastian is just about the most unpopular lawyer in town, why is Partner so loyal to him? How did they meet? And what's the real story of this man of few words who's as good with a gun as he is with the law? The surprising answers are all in PARTNERS, John Grisham's first exclusively digital short story.
 

 

 

 

Published:     29th March 2016
Publisher:  Doubleday

Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 0.5, Rogue Lawyer
Source: Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

I am not usually one to pick up or like short stories in part of a series or continuation of a story as most of the time they don't really add much to the main plot, but this short story is different. If you enjoyed reading Rogue Lawyer, I would strongly recommend picking up this as it gives us more of a background to the dynamic between Sebastian Rudd, the lawyer, and his driver/bodyguard/many other job descriptions I won't list right now.  

Although this is described as a prequel, I actually read this after reading Rogue Lawyer and I found that I appreciated this story so much more knowing what was going to happen afterwards and knowing the characters from Rogue Lawyer.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham

On the right side of the law. Sort of.
 
Sebastian Rudd is not your typical street lawyer. He works out of a customized bulletproof van, complete with Wi-Fi, a bar, a small fridge, fine leather chairs, a hidden gun compartment, and a heavily armed driver. He has no firm, no partners, no associates, and only one employee, his driver, who’s also his bodyguard, law clerk, confidant, and golf caddy. He lives alone in a small but extremely safe penthouse apartment, and his primary piece of furniture is a vintage pool table. He drinks small-batch bourbon and carries a gun.
 
Sebastian defends people other lawyers won’t go near: a drug-addled, tattooed kid rumored to be in a satanic cult, who is accused of molesting and murdering two little girls; a vicious crime lord on death row; a homeowner arrested for shooting at a SWAT team that mistakenly invaded his house.  Why these clients? Because he believes everyone is entitled to a fair trial, even if he, Sebastian, has to cheat to secure one. He hates injustice, doesn’t like insurance companies, banks, or big corporations; he distrusts all levels of government and laughs at the justice system’s notions of ethical behavior.
 
Sebastian Rudd is one of John Grisham’s most colorful, outrageous, and vividly drawn characters yet. Gritty, witty, and impossible to put down, Rogue Lawyer showcases the master of the legal thriller at his very best.
 

Published:     20th October 2015
Publisher:  Doubleday
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 1, Rogue Lawyer
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

This book was so much fun!   You have this over the top lawyer, Sebastian Rudd, who seems to run 'rogue' (excuse the pun) with no partners to keep him in check, no associates but only one employee which is his driver, bodyguard and many other things. 

What I loved about this was that you follow this lawyer who is completely reckless, diving into the most dangerous situations and not really seeming to be all that worried about it and follow him as he navigates his way in and out of these situations.   I also loved the fact that this story contained so many different cases that Sebastian gets himself into and not any particular one.  For me, the best part of this novel was the character of Sebastian and watching his character develop as we see him in different scenarios.  

I am very intrigued to know more about the dynamic between Sebastian and his bodyguard/driver/many other things and I am guessing I will get some more answers with the short story/novella, Partners, which I plan to pick up next. 

Would highly recommend but don't go into this expecting one massive case from start to finish.  Its more about the characters than the plot, well it was for me.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / Song of the Nile by Hannah Fielding

 

 Luxor, 1946. When young nurse Aida El Masri returns from war-torn London to her family’s estate in Egypt, she steels herself to face the challenges ahead.

Eight years have passed since her father, Ayoub, was framed for a crime he did not commit and died as a tragic result. Yet Aida has not forgotten, and now she wants revenge against the man she believes betrayed her father – his best friend, Kamel Pharaony.

Then Aida is reunited with Kamel’s son, the captivating surgeon Phares, who offers her marriage. In spite of herself, the secret passion Aida harboured for him as a young girl reignites. Still, how can she marry the son of the man who destroyed her father and brought shame on her family? Will coming home bring her love, or only danger and heartache?
 

 

 

Published:     14th February 2020
Publisher:  London Wall Publishing
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Review Copy from Author

 

 

MY REVIEW

 

I can't tell you how excited I was to delve into this latest book from Hannah Fielding, one of my favourite authors.  In this story, we follow Aida who has been in England since the death of her father, having been born and previously lived in Egypt.  Aida travels back to the family's estate after the war is over (having not been able to travel back before then because of the war) and she is very unsure of what she will find both at the estate and with certain people she may not want to come across when she gets home.  Aida is convinced that her father was framed for a crime that he was on trial for just before he died and also believes that she knows who is responsible.  

What I loved the most about this story is Aida's journey from rediscovering herself again after being away from Egypt for so long and also trying to find out the truth about what happened to her father.  You also have the complicated relationship with Phares (the person who she was destined to marry before she left Egypt after her father died) and it was certainly very interesting to see what happened when they met again.  You also have other characters, some good and some bad, that pop in along the way.

I also enjoyed the fact that this story was based in Egypt, which is a location that I haven't ready much in novels so it was very interesting to learn more about customs and ettiquette back in the 1940s.

A thoroughly enjoyable novel that will grab you from the very first page and hold on until the very last.  I can't recommend this high enough.  You need to read this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas (Book 4, A Court of Thorns & Roses)

To avoid spoilers, below is the description for book 1 in this series, A Court of Thorns and Roses

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
 

 

 

Published:     16th February 2021
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 4, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Source:  Owned

 

 

MY REVIEW

 

Having re-read the previous books in this series, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on this book!  I can't tell you how happy I was to also find out that it was 757 pages long.  I wouldn't normally be excited by such a large book but the more the merrier when it comes to this series.

Avoiding spoilers, I adored this book.  This book centered more around Nesta and characters around her.  I found this story very interesting, watching this character grow as the story progresses.  Nesta is not a character that I particularly liked before so I was certainly intrigued how a 757 page book was going to make me like her, but it did!  

I also don't usually pick up books with a lot of erotic content but this story certainly does have its fair share of that and I loved it!

I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.  Looking at Goodreads, it tells me that there are two more books in this series so I am definitely intrigued!

 

 

 

Book Review / A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas (Book 3.1, A Court of Thorns and Roses)

To avoid spoilers, below is the description for the first book in this series, A Court of Thorns and Roses

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

 

 

Published:     1st May 2018
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 3.1, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

I am not one for usually picking up novellas in series as most of the time they really don't add anything more to the series but, of course, as this is one of my favourite series of all time I leave no stone unturned and had to pick up this one again.  

This was my second time reading this and the second time I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Although I don't think this adds anything specifically relevant to the series, it was a fun read and added a bit more to each of the characters. 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas (Book 3, A Court of Thorns and Roses)

To avoid spoilers, below is the description for book 1 in this series, A Court of Thorns & Roses.

 
Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
 

 

Published:     2nd May 2017
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 3, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Source: Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

Now this is where this world and story gets extremely interesting.  We have the first book where it more about introducing the world and the characters.  We then had the second book where it turned on its head what we thought about certain characters and changed the pace of the story.  We now have this book where it goes a step further and delves into the politics of the world and watching characters 'battle' against other characters.  This is one of my favourite books in this series - although I love this series in its entirety.

This book also takes some character relationships to another level, which I won't go into so as to avoid spoilers. We also have quite a few twists and turns that I had completely forgotten about from reading this book in the past that surprised me this time around too!  Loved that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (Book 2, A Court of Thorns and Roses)

To avoid spoilers, below is the description for book 1 in this series, A Court of Thorns & Roses.

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
 

 

 

Published:     3rd May 2016
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 2, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Source: Owned

 

 

MY REVIEW

 

Having read this book before, I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first time around if not a bit more than the last time.  

Obviously as this is book 2 in as series there is a lot that I won't go into as I don't want to spoil the story for those of you who have not yet read this book or the series but what I love about this book is where it takes us deeper into the world, learn more about the various characters and learn more about the politics of the world.  

For me, this story certainly changes my opinion about certain characters.  Some good and some bad.  Some were good but now they are bad and some where bad but now they are good.  I loved that I never quite know whether what I think about a certain character will remain the same throughout the entire of this series, including those books that have not yet been written.  

With most series I read, book 2 tends to fall flat but this certainly didn't and I can't wait to dig back into the next book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review / A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas (Book 1)

 

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
 

 

 

Published:     5th May 2015
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 1, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Source:  Owned

 

MY REVIEW

 

I am one of those types of readers who just can't pick up a book later in a series that has just come out (having waited a very long time for it to come out) and just delve back into that book.  Usually I rarely remember the smaller details that you would remember if you had read the previous books before picking up the new one.  With the release of A Court of Silver Flames, I knew that to give that book a fair chance I would re-read the previous books, which was no trouble because I adore this series.

What I love the most about this first book in this series is the world building and the character building.  The more times I read this book the more little details I notice and also realise that there may be some foreshadowing going on for future books.  

I enjoyed this book just as much as I did the first time around and would happily re-read this over and over again!