The Reading Head

I’m afraid this will be a very short review, as I was very disappointed with Hunter of Her Heart.

Although Kaylie has a very easy writing style, making her writing very easy to follow, it would have been really nice to have had something worthwhile to actually follow.

I found Zane and Candi’s storyline lacking in many ways, not least because I wasn’t able to really connect with them. The only thing noteable was their general animosity toward each other, which, if I’m honest, got boring quickly. That isn’t a good thing when you consider that the story doesn’t really start until at least 70-80% of the way in. A bit late, to say it was slow would be an understatement.

I’m sure Kaylie has produced better, so I look forward to seeing something more soon, in the meantime I’m afraid I can’t really use my usual sign off, so enjoy your next read.

NB I received this book free for an honest review 

Between Heaven and Hell is the second book  from Astrid’s Freefall series, and having reviewed At Death’s Door I was looking forward to reading it. I was not disappointed. Following on from where the first book left off seamlessly. I think this could be read alone, but I would not recommend it as At Death’s Door lays a lot of the ground work and background that is needed to follow this book. As the character’s remain the same with just one or two additions, all the character development is in the first book.

This offering is a slower pace to that of the first, which isn’t a bad thing really, although I found it a little too slow for me on occasion. I was still able to connect with the characters, especially Sara, as she continues to fight for her family. I certainly felt her fear and panic in places.

With plenty of twists and surprises throughout this is definitely a page turner.

I’d recommend Between Heaven and Hell to anyone who likes a good adventure with a smidge of romance and excitement. Enjoy.

NB I received this book free for an honest review

I love the Irish, and I also love Maeve Binchy, who until now was the only author that really expressed the beauty of Ireland. That has changed and Claire is now my favourite! Ireland is so well described I felt I was actually there.

Dancing to an Irish Reel is written in the first person, and the writing is so intimate you can imagine yourself actually chatting to Hailey. Hailey being the main character. I loved how I was able to connect with Hailey and her feelings because of how well she is developed throughout.

There isn’t really much more I can say other than – read this book! Enjoy.

NB I received this book free for an honest review

Love Spell is the first book I have read from Mia, and I will certainly be looking for more. This book is a light hearted romance, the twist being that Chance is gay, but is confused about his sexuality. I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of Chance’s confusion not least because my grandson is in a similar position.

The subject matter is very tastefully portrayed. As is the confusion most teenagers encounter when learning about their sexual lives and meeting potential partners.

This is not steamy, so if that’s what you prefer I suggest looking elsewhere. However, if your a teen who is trying to wade through that quagmire of relationships, this is definitely a must read. Enjoy

NB I received this book free for an honest review

Initiated to Kill is a book very different to the type of thing I normally read, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, first I’ll tell you what I didn’t like; The head change in the early part of the book left me confused for a while, but it did become more understandable as I read on.

The characters are all well defined and easily believable. The story is enticing, with each page providing something new, or a twist on what we think. The chapters are all short making the book easy to read. This is all good news when you consider that it’s impossible to stop reading.

The mystery and suspense had me excited and sometimes scared for the characters, and with its many twists you never know what’s coming next.

Overall this was a great read for just about anyone. Enjoy.

NB I received this book free for an honest review

Honestly, I didn’t really know what to make of this book at all. It took me a while to get my head around the way it is written. Basically it is written to show an interrogation (for want of a better word) where the ‘prisoner’ is telling her story, with occasional interruptions. However, during the interruptions, we are hearing from the interogator. I was at a loss as to who that actually was.

Once I was able to get my head around the concept, the story telling itself was very good. I was most impressed with Darling’s relationship with Megan, to a certain extent that was believable, and I loved how they both looked out for each other, even against Megan’s parents. The whole thing about Emmanual though, I’m not sure.

Megan and Darlings characters were well developed making them easy to connect with, but the others really didn’t have much substance to them at all.

The ending, I found rather sudden, there is definitely room for another book, to answer all the questions that are, as yet, unanswered.

Not sure really who would enjoy this most, so give it a look, tell me what you think and … Enjoy.

The Quality of Silence is completely different to the type of books I usually read, but I may well choose others in this genre again.

The book covered a number of different topic areas including things like deafness, stalking, parenting, etc. Most of which had me forming opinions and often arguing with the characters. I found the portrayal of deafness, and the strength of the youngster in dealing with it, using Twitter to give her a voice.

The stalking element had me freaking out, with tangible fear for Yasmin and her daugher. Although I was fearful for the two of them throughout. I even learned loads about the Arctic and the native wildlife, which was fascinating.

The book is not to badly paced, although I did find it a tad slow and tedious in places. Yasmin and her daughter are both well developed and believable too.

With the fear, suspense and a few surprises, you’ll be glued to this book from beginning to end. A great read for anyone. Enjoy.

NB: I received this book free in return for an honest review.

As the second in the Jude Magdalyn series, Shades of Desire doesn’t disappoint. Although, I think it would be possible to read this as a standalone, I’m not sure that you would understand the characters so well. Pruitt’s developed her characters well in Shades of Gray, which I reviewed on Tuesday, and as the story continues in Shades of Desire, there really wasn’t much point in her doing it again.

As I said in the other review, it is very easy to put yourself in Jude’s shoes, and imagine her shock on discovering who Gillian was. Not withstanding the shock of certain others when her grand-father is made known! Jude has grown immensely since leaving her at the end of Shades of Grey, Pruitt has developed her changes well, showing us just how strong a person Jude really is. I with I had just 10% of strength.

I highly recommend reading this, although I do suggest checking out Shades of Gray first. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Enjoy

NB: I received this book free in return for an honest review

At Death’s Door is the first book in Astrid’s Freefall Series, I believe this is her first book ever. If that’s the case this new author is most definitely one to watch.

The story is very fast paced, and with each page being a true page turner, you’ll be excited to see what happens next. Although billed as a Fantasy/Paranormal book, you’ll find plenty of mystery and more than a spattering of suspense.

Astrid has developed her characters very well, making for a much more enjoyable read, and the way Sara is portrayed throughout all her fear, turmoil, confusion and anger is completely believable. Not sure I can believe all the story however, although it would be cool.

As I say for a first book, this is one awesome read that I believe anyone would enjoy!

Watch out for my review of Book 2, Between Heaven and Hell on the 22nd July, I can’t wait! Enjoy.

NB: I received this book free in return for an honest review

As the first in Pruitt’s Jude Magdalyn series, Shades of Gray is a well paced, engaging story of magic, vampires, love, and more. The story is well paced, not to slow or to fast, engaging you with every page turn. Yup this is another page turner that you won’t want to put down.

The characters are all well written and highly believable. Pruitt has taken time to build the characters to the extent that they seem real, her character development must be among the best I’ve seen for a while. You all know how I love to imaging I know them all well. You’ll also know that I like to be able to imagine the story is taking place just down the road, well this didn’t disappoint either.

Jude’s feelings are remarkably believable, her fear and confusion is very well portrayed. But what I loved most was watching her grow in her new, and very scary, role. And the romances… I’m not saying!

You’ll love it I’m sure. Enjoy.

NB I received this book free for an honest review

Snow in July is a journey into Englands middle History, where the Saxons and Normans where still fighting. I believe it is set just after the Battle of Hastings in 1066, but don’t quote me on that. Either way, the history discussed was fascinating, not least because of the unusual way of of portraying it.

The story of Sir Roberts budding relationship with Kendra was heart warming, it’s a shame that kind of thing is long forgotten. I wasn’t surprised with much of Kendra’s feelings throughout the story, and so was able to imaging how she would have felt.

The suspense, danger and adventure, meant that you want to read the book in one sitting, although I’d defy anyone to even try it. Would make for one very long day that’s for sure. The only thing that let the book down from a historical point of view, was the paranormal aspect of Kendra’s healing abilities. I’m not inclined to believe such a thing really exists. Would be cool though.

Anyway, this is a great book for just about anyone, those historical romance lovers among us especially. Enjoy.

NB: I received this book free for an honest review

This is the second romance I have reviewed this week, but the first from Adele Downs. Lip Service is first and foremost a romance, but with some Paranormal activity and a mystery to boot.

The story is sensual, but exciting in places. There are the usual twists I’d expect in a mystery, with a little fear and suspence thrown in. What more can we ask?

Linda, who is known as Legs,  is a well-developed character that is easy to believe in. She and Jack could easily by next door. It was easy to put Legs’s shoes on, and feel like I was there in the house, experiencing all her aunts antics!!

Great read for an adult, I’ve said 17+ due to some sexual references, so I’ll leave it for you to decide. for now… enjoy!

NB I received this book free for an honest review

Giggling Boy is one book that I can honestly say was a tough read. Not because of the story or the writing being  difficult to understand, but because of the subject. Ra Lynn has touched on some extremely taboo subject areas, including sodomy and pedophilia. I thought this was an extremely brave move, one that worked.

Ra Lynn has covered his subject tastefully, enough to make sure his message hits home, but not enough to be offensive. I liked how he alternated each chapter between the living child victim, while he was young and in the middle of the experience, alongside his now deceased abuser. In the abuser chapters, his journey of learning about how his behaviour affected his victims, along with the brutality of said training. I hope that was entirely fictitious, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy!

The young victim, and his way of coping and even forgiving, is a lesson we all need to learn.

Overall, The Giggling Boy touches some difficult subject, but the lessons to be learned will benefit us all. Enjoy.

NB I received this book free for an honest review

Poppy’s Dilemma is a well written introduction to British history. The author portrays the navvies way of life with such feeling and detail you could almost smell what must have been a strong odor. I also thought Nancy’s portrayal of prostitution was very tasteful covered.

I have never read a book by Nancy Carson before, but do intend to look at her other offerings. Her writing is well researched, tastefully portrayed, and a good pace. Be warned though, every page is a page turner, so you may find it difficult to put down!

Poppy’s character is so well-developed that I could imagine her being my great grandparent (or more). Her feelings came through, that I can actually relate to everything she went through, from love, to confusion, to fear, to excitement, etc. All the other characters are well thought out too.

What about Millie and the officer, that was one big surprise! But you’ll have to read the book to figure out what I mean! Enjoy.

NB I received this book free, for an honest review