tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68562227509299730562024-02-18T22:30:45.164-08:00Nicky Reviews ReadsI read, I review, I read moreNickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-22617084540751277012022-06-12T08:58:00.001-07:002022-06-12T09:01:20.195-07:00New Brighton by Helen Trevorrow - A TBC Review<div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60469291" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">New Brighton</span></a></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645474904i/60469291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="800" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645474904i/60469291.jpg" width="525" /></span></a></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17684090.Helen_Trevorrow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"> by Helen Trevorrow</span></a></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60469291" target="_blank">4 of 5 stars</a></span></h4><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">New Brighton by Helen Trevorrow is a dystopian novel set in the near future.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Robyn is a typical young adult living in Brighton. She loves her little sister, who has complex health needs, and her on and off boyfriend. On a night out, she falls out with her boyfriend and meets a mysterious stranger who seems all too familiar. When a shipwreck arrives during the night, Robyn’s future and past will change forever.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This was a very unusual read. I spent the first sixty percent of the story as confused and lost as our main character. It does all become clear, but do not expect the author to hand it all out in a neat package. The author presents us with a colourful and diverse cast and each character is well thought out. The storyline enfolds at a steady rather than a hurtling pace, which adds to the atmosphere of the book. If you like dystopian fiction with a smattering if sci-fi, this makes a good read.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></div><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-51233432905662101252021-09-07T04:44:00.002-07:002021-09-07T04:44:16.726-07:00Apocalypse, Uploading (The Powered Series, #1) by Elizabeth_J_Rekab - A Booksirens Review<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57179089-apocalypse-uploading" target="_blank">Apocalypse, Uploading (The Powered Series, #1)</a></span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1614047178l/57179089._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="475" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1614047178l/57179089._SY475_.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20466107.Elizabeth_J_Rekab" target="_blank">Elizabeth J. Rekab</a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4163133507" target="_blank">4 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For Beck and Brad, it is just another day at their parents' office, when a mysterious flash interrupts their day and transports them to a different world. It becomes apparent, that they are not the only siblings who have been snatched from their daily lives and, together with their tribe, they have to find a way back home. But home is not exactly what they were expecting. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Apolcalypse, Uploading is not your standard dystopian young adult novel. The author, Elizabeth J. Rekab successfully blends themes and this book is not easily fitted into any one genre. Part urban fantasy, part dystopian and part post apocalyptic, this novel will be suited for a wide range of reader tastes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I enjoyed the plot twists and loops very much. The characters are diverse and well written. Rekab expertly builds worlds, as the characters move between the different scenarios the plot takes place in. The plot is very well paced and unexpected turns of events make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-88137189786623307502021-07-27T14:33:00.000-07:002021-07-27T14:33:13.263-07:00Creative Crochet Projects: 12 Playful Projects for Beginners and Beyond by - A NetGalley Review<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56349713-creative-crochet-projects" target="_blank">Creative Crochet Projects: 12 Playful Projects for Beginners and Beyond</a></span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1608486364l/56349713._SX318_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="318" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1608486364l/56349713._SX318_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20990270.Stephanie_Pokorny" target="_blank">Stephanie Pokorny</a></span></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4115342945" target="_blank">5 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In “Creative Crochet Projects” Stephanie Pokorny shares 12 unique, quirky and fun patterns suited to all levels of crochet knowledge. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The beginning chapter is dedicated to explaining terminology and stitches used. Clear photographs and written explanations make this accessible to all skill levels. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The patterns contained in this book give room for growth, there are some patterns that I would class suitable for advanced crocheters.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This book will delight those with children or young adults! I loved the play kitchen, with stove and sink. The owl hood is simply delightful and would make a perfect gift for a teen or young woman. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The patterns are well thought out, clearly written and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for unique makes for young ones. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My thanks go to NetGalley, Landauer Publishing and the author, Stephanie Pokorny, for an ARC of this book. </span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-86517165660954250832021-07-14T05:40:00.005-07:002021-07-14T05:40:47.100-07:00This is our undoing by Lorraine Wilson - A TBC Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57933140-this-is-our-undoing" target="_blank">This Is Our Undoing</a></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620053968l/57933140._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1620053968l/57933140._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21104880.Lorraine_Wilson" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">by Lorraine Wilson</a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4095114188" target="_blank">4 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lina Stephenson works as a scientist in the Rila Mountain area of Bulgaria. She thought, she had left her old life and dangers behind and guards her secret carefully. When a high profile politician in her former home, London, is murdered, his family is sent to Linda’s research station, posing a risk not just to Lina, but to her father and brother, too. She races against the clock to save her family and herself! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This story begins somewhere in the middle. The reader is thrust into the action without too much of a background or history. This adds to the overall haunting and mysterious feeling of the book. The author transports the reader to the mountains, the forest and village come to life. The characters all have something to hide, something the reader wants to find out and solve. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I kept reading, thinking the author would provide me with ready made, easy to digest answers to my many questions. As the story progressed, I was left with hints and clues but ultimate had to work out for myself, what I felt for the characters. Lorraine Wilson creates a cast of complex, often mysterious characters. Not one is predictable or simply good or bad.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This book does not neatly fit into any one genre, part dystopian (albeit only hinted at), part murder mystery, mixed in with some paranormal and psychological thriller elements. I found myself with more questions than answers, but strangely that is a good thing in this instance! I would love to read a prequel, where the background of Linda’s life is explained in more detail.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My thanks go to TBC and Lorraine Wilson for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. </span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-55204661348898015742021-07-08T12:21:00.008-07:002021-07-08T12:21:48.631-07:00Songbirds by Christy Lefteri - A Netgalley Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56293868-songbirds" target="_blank"> Songbirds</a></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615411534l/56293868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615411534l/56293868.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: arial;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3455639.Christy_Lefteri" target="_blank">Christy Lefteri</a></span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3907455213" target="_blank">My rating:5 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I have taken a long time trying to put my feelings about Songbirds by Christy Lefteri into words.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is so much more than just a well told story, with exquisite location settings and incredible characters. This is a testament to modern day struggles, a call to open our eyes to what is really happening around us, to the conditions we quietly accept fellow humans to live in and through.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Petra is a typical working mother living in Cyprus. Having lost her husband before her daughter was born, she did as many in Cyprus do: she hires Nisha to help her raise her child and look after the household. Petra does not really spend much time thinking about Nisha, wondering how her service to her family impacts Nisha's own family. Only when Nisha goes missing, does Petra take notice! She learns, that Nisha has a whole other life, and is much loved by her lodger, Yiannis. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was not aware of the issues that were described in this book, so i educated myself. This book will stay with me for a very long time, the plight, migrant workers all over the world, and especially in the western world, face are a wake up call to us all. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anybody who reads this book will not only be blown away by the beautiful way Christy Lefteri weaves the story, but also be touched and deeply moved by the issues discussed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I would like to thank Netgalley and Christy Lefteri for an ARC of this book. This review is my own and reflects my thoughts and feelings.</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-10421684587419937742021-07-05T11:41:00.000-07:002021-07-05T11:41:07.453-07:00The Trial of Gwen Foley by Jane O'Connor - A Bloodhound Books Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58478669-the-trial-of-gwen-foley" target="_blank"><span style="color: #800180;">The Trial of Gwen Foley</span></a></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625320334l/58478669._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="312" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625320334l/58478669._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18655330.Jane_O_Connor" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;"> by Jane O'Connor</span></a></span></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4096323468" target="_blank">My rating: 4 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In 1723, the town of Lichfield is rocked by the execution of a mother. Not long after, a vicious murder leads to the accusation of another innocent woman. Hester, the temporary magistrate’s wife, forms the Lunar Society with a small group of like minded women to avoid another execution.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This book is historical fiction, as such, some things are not a faithful depiction of the period the book takes place in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I liked the idea of strong women having such influence on society and being so empowered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I really enjoyed the different facets of the story, the murder mystery giving another layer of complexity to the story with some surprising turns. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The characters were well thought out, the plot developed at a good pace and the scene setting was very well implemented. I don’t live far from Lichfield and could imagine the locations described in the book. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I would like to thank Bloodhound books and the author for an ARC. <br />This review is my own opinion. </span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-60232316753083498842021-06-10T09:42:00.000-07:002021-06-10T09:42:26.540-07:00Generation Manifestation (Gen M, #1) by Steven Bereznai - A Booksirens Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Generation Manifestation (Gen M, #1)</span></h1><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607444491l/56221708._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607444491l/56221708._SY475_.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/62651.Steven_Bereznai" target="_blank">Steven Bereznai</a></span></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3957958957" target="_blank">5 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Generation Manifestion by Steven Bereznai is a fresh, new contender in the world of young adult dystopian literature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The world is separated into two distinct classes, the supergenics and the dregs (ordinary humans with no supergenic abilities). Caitlin, our protagonist, hopes that on testing day, her special power will manifest and she will get to live the life of her revered superheroes in "the city". But, as testing day arrives, Caitlin has to face the fact that she possesses no super power. This does not stop her from trying to reach her goal. She joins forces with an unlikely ally and turns the world upside down.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This book has similarities to series such as Divergent and Marvel/DC series but the author makes it his own universe by having unique characters, well drawn up world building and an engaging plot where every guess you make will be wrong. The story unfolds at a good pace and the balance between background and world building to action is well balanced. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I really wanted to know more about the city and see more of the superhero side of the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I loved the inclusiveness of this book, the author does not shy away from topics such as gender identity, neuro diversity and disabilites. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are looking for a solid follow on after Divergent, this will not disappoint. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I would like to thank the author and Booksirens for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></span></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-61123829503531847072021-06-10T07:51:00.001-07:002021-06-10T08:06:06.957-07:00Termination by Richard T. Burke - A TBC Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #800180; font-family: arial;">Termination: The Boy Who Died (Decimation #2)</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616873651l/57545863._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616873651l/57545863._SY475_.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: left;"> by </span><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14731743.Richard_T_Burke" target="_blank">Richard T. Burke</a></span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4045551406" target="_blank">4 of 5 stars</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Termination by Richard Burke is the sequel to Decimation. Antimone, Jason and Paul have settled into family life. Antimone has achieved her dream of representing the UK at the Paralympic games in Glasgow. For a second time though, her chance of bringing home a medal is hampered and she finds herself in another life threatening situation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I really enjoyed reading these books. Antimone is a brave new kind of main character. The plot develops at a rapid pace and there is no room for boredom. The characters are extremely well written and each have complex backgrounds and challenges to face. World building happens on the fly, the reader gets a good grasp of this dystopian leaning new world set in the not so distant future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This series combines a number of genres but it has an overall feel of a fast paced thriller with dystopian undertones. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The author brings many unique ideas and facets to a very popular genre. I particularly liked the inclusiveness of these books and the fact, that the main character will appeal to differently abled readers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial;">View all my reviews</span></a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-83245214169246534192021-04-21T04:10:00.006-07:002021-04-21T04:25:52.085-07:00The Disciple by Sarah Sheridan - A Bloodhound Books Review<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822679" target="_blank">The Disciple</a></h1><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16062836.Sarah_Sheridan" target="_blank">by Sarah Sheridan </a> </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611620811l/56822679.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="231" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611620811l/56822679.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3922146966" target="_blank">My rating: 4 of 5 stars</a></p><p>The disciple by Sarah Sheridan is the second book following Sister Veronica. </p><p>The convent is in turmoil after a baby is left. A mysterious tarot card, left with the baby, is the only clue left. Sister Veronica and her journalist friend Melissa take it upon themselves to find the baby’s mother! The task unearths far more sinister circumstances than expected.</p><p>This is a sequel and, as such, it would be best to have read the previous book. A lot of Sister Veronica’s thoughts and reactions are based in the first book, which I haven’t read.</p><p>The book does work as a stand-alone but the background knowledge would be useful to understand some of the main characters thought processes and doubts.</p><p>I was a little disappointed, that the protagonist plays a relatively small roll in the main plot. She is not a “super sleuth” and the police play a crucial part to all the more procedural action.</p><p>The plot is engaging and the twists and turns will keep a reader’s interest. </p><p>Overall, a fun read with a quirky new sleuth.</p><p>My thanks go to Bloodhounds Books and the author, Sarah Sheridan, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-10640235264869995242021-04-12T05:19:00.008-07:002021-04-12T05:19:48.605-07:00This is how we are human by Louise Beech - A TBC review<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56707722-this-is-how-we-are-human" target="_blank"> This Is How We Are Human</a></span></h1><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122943.Louise_Beech" target="_blank">by Louise Beech</a></span></h4><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610982727l/56707722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610982727l/56707722.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3908433884" target="_blank">My rating: 5 of 5 stars</a></span></div><p>As an interim review: WoW, just WOW. </p><p>This is how we are human by Louise Beech is a work of brilliance. I have tried to write a review that does it justice for about a week now and I still feel nothing I say will be adequate. </p><p>This is an easy 5+ star read. </p><p>Louise Beech is a very diverse author, approaching each subject with her unique ability to weave a magical story. </p><p>In “This is how we are human” the author explores the complexities of being the parent of a neurodiverse young adult. As a mother of two autistic young men, I found myself in this book! I laughed, I cried and I could utterly relate to Veronica.</p><p>When we meet Veronica and Sebastian, we encounter a mother at her wits’ end! All Veronica wants is help with Sebastian’s latest challenging behaviour, just to find the professional as clueless as she feels! Sebastian is 20, he loves swimming, eggs, is handsome, dreams of having sex ... and is autistic! Isabelle is a young nurse in training and has a secret night job. Veronica’s plan to help Sebastian has some unexpected effects on all three of our main characters! </p><p>Louise Beech broaches a subject that most of us parents with differently abled children put off thinking about! As with all her books, the characters are all exquisitely created, the storyline weaves beautifully along and the reader cannot help but be drawn into the Center of the story.</p><p>This is one of the most poignant, brilliantly written and profound human interest stories I have read! Really the only advice I have for anyone reading this review is: buy the book!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-49167007735969500082021-04-08T03:41:00.003-07:002021-04-08T03:41:19.685-07:00Deadly Lies by Ann Girdharry - A Bloodhound Books Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822632-deadly-lies" target="_blank">Deadly Lies</a></span></h1><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14179591.Ann_Girdharry" target="_blank">by Ann Girdharry</a></span></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611620349l/56822632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="231" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611620349l/56822632.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3908433033" target="_blank">My rating: 3 of 5 stars</a></span></h4><p>Deadly Lies by Ann Girdharry is the third book in a series featuring Detective Grant and his team and psychologist Ruby Silver. </p><p>When two little girls are abducted in the middle of the night from their grandparents' house, the team has to race against the clock to find them. During their investigation they uncover some dark secrets. Could the abductor be closer to home than they thought? </p><p>I had not read the first books in this series, so some of the references to older cases and turmoil within the team did not make much sense to me. This did not take away from the story however and was more background information.</p><p>The story unfolded at a good pace, however for me, there were too many coincidental "discoveries" and glossed over fact finding, that seemed a little unbelievable and confusing. The detectives put pieces together that had no previous thread to lead them to the discovery. I personally did not find a connection with any of the characters, this could be because I had not read the previous books. </p><p>I would like to thank Bloodhound Books and the author for an ARC in exchange for this review. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-77625757384402516742021-04-04T05:55:00.001-07:002021-04-04T05:55:10.658-07:00The Entrepeneur by Louise Worthington - A Bloodhound Books Review<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822583-the-entrepreneur" target="_blank">The Entrepreneur</a></span> </h1><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19741912.Louise_Worthington" target="_blank">by Louise Worthington</a></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611619901l/56822583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="231" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611619901l/56822583.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3898378300" target="_blank">My rating: 4 of 5 stars</a></span></div><p>The Entrepreneur by Louise Worthington is a cleverly written crime thriller presenting the reader with a story within the story. </p><p>Five young entrepreneurs compete in a new reality TV show to scoop two prizes worth 1 million pounds. The reader joins the contest in the final weeks, when the business ventures have already been unveiled. One contender stands out with her business idea of marketing and selling “murderabilia”, a lucrative (often black market) and dangerous business model. As such, the young contender meets a serial killer with a secret. When the father of a suspected victim becomes aware of the show, he sees his chance for justice. When one of the entrepreneurs is found dead, the remaining housemates are left in turmoil! </p><p>This was a book built on the very dark practice of monetizing pieces from actual crime scenes. The plot develops at a good pace and the characters are all well built. I enjoyed the many layers of this story and really enjoyed discovering how all the pieces fit. A good read for anyone who loves crime books.</p><p>I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thanks go to Bloodhound Books and the author, Louise Worthington.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-60328513377351206082021-03-28T12:23:00.000-07:002021-03-28T12:23:11.072-07:00The Train by Sarah Bourne - A Bllodhound Books review <h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822544-the-train" target="_blank">The Train</a></h1><h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2748763.Sarah_Bourne" target="_blank">by Sarah Bourne</a></h3><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611619744l/56822544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="231" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611619744l/56822544.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3894518834" target="_blank">4 of 5 stars</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The Train by Sarah Bourne explores human nature</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><span style="text-align: left;">reactions when faced with unexpected adversity.The day for 8 passengers on a busy commuter train, from Milton Keynes to London, begins as any other. Not long into the journey, a tragic incident brings the train to a stop.</span></p><p>The reader gets to know the 8 passengers and follows along for the day. Insights in how each of them deal with the incident, how it impacts their life and changes them forever make this novel a powerful read. The characters are all connected and find themselves meeting throughout the day. Some have a more direct response than others, one is even directly involved in the tragic that unfolded. But all are changed forever.</p><p>I found this to be a very thought provoking read, I had to smile at some of the “very British” reactions and ways to cope with such a profound experience. Tea, anyone? </p><p>I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My thanks go to Bloodhoundbooks and the author, Sarah Bourne.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-45470681625345940292021-03-24T06:06:00.002-07:002021-03-24T06:06:43.366-07:00Rachel's Story by Leigh Russell - A Bloodhound Books review<p></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56822437-rachel-s-story">Rachel's Story</a></h1><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2919056.Leigh_Russell">by Leigh Russel</a><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611618920l/56822437._SX98_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="98" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1611618920l/56822437._SX98_.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3889426682">My rating: 4 of 5 stars</a><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Rachel’s Story bei Leigh Russell is everything the description promises it to be. </p><p>Rachel grows up in a world where food and life is ruled by the select few in government. Her life is ripped apart when her mother is brutally killed and Rachel is forced to join “The program”. At first, Rachel is lured in by the special treatment those chosen for “The program” receive. But soon, doubts form in her mind and a disturbing encounter with a former friend convince her that she needs to leave. With no plan but a lot of luck, she finds herself joining the people she was taught to fear her whole life. </p><p>This story really gripped me from start to finish. World building and character development happen at a fast pace, leaving no room for skimming or boredom! With haunting tones of The Handmaids tale, this is a great new dystopian adventure to get engrossed in! The only thing I was a tiny bit disappointed in was the very abrupt ending! I just wanted to carry on reading to find out what happens to Rachel! I will definitely be looking out for the next book! </p><p>My thanks go to Bloodhound publishing and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole?order=d&sort=review&view=reviews">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-1291521264984675072021-03-21T10:56:00.001-07:002021-03-21T15:43:42.960-07:00The Diseased Ones by Daniele Harrington - A TBC Review<p></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #800180;"><a href="<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50967329-the-diseased-ones">The Diseased Ones</a>">The Diseased Ones Book 1 Hollis Timewire Trilogy</a></span></h1><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19436872.Danielle_Harrington">by Danielle Harrington</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575609691l/50967329._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="298" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575609691l/50967329._SX318_SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3633560015">4 of 5 stars</a></p><p>I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, my thanks go to TBC and the author. </p><p>In the year 2647, society is very different to our world. The world Hollis Timewire grew up in is one devoid of emotion and subject to strict rules and government regulation. Citizens become full members of society at age 16, all Hollis has to do is pass a simple blood test. As the child of two upstanding members of society, it comes as a complete shock when Hollis does not pass the test. Her blood shows a forbidden bio marker and with that all her hopes and dreams vanish. She reacts with instinct and finds herself kidnapped by a mysterious power. When she comes to, she finds herself in a very different environment. Hollis learns, that she is not alone and that a group of “diseased ones” has survived the government’s genocide and exists far away from the society she knows. Hollis struggles to embrace her new found powers and her new friends. She plots to make her way back to her home, but at what cost? </p><p>The reader has to bear in mind, that this book is Young adult fiction. As such, I found it a very impressive first novel! The characters are well written and the plot has unique elements in a genre that is very popular. I found the idea of a dystopian society combined with an “underground” population of gifted people very intriguing. The plot moves along at a nice pace. I wanted to know more about Hollis’s world but the author gives us just enough world building to flesh out the places the plot unfolds in. This would be a good fit for fans of divergent or the mortal instruments. </p><p>I will definitely read the other two books in this trilogy. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a></p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-86250833213440622162021-03-21T05:51:00.008-07:002021-03-21T06:05:11.117-07:00A Shadow on the lense - Sam Hurcom A netgalley/TBC review<p> </p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49423528-a-shadow-on-the-lens">A Shadow On The Lens</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9885529.Sam_Hurcom">Sam Hurcom</a>" target="_blank">A shadow on the lens</a></span><br /></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9885529.Sam_Hurcom" target="_blank">by Sam Hurcom</a><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562857012l/49423528._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562857012l/49423528._SX318_SY475_.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">My rating: <a href="<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3633552985">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />">3 of 5 stars</a></p><p>I received an ARC of this book from TBC/net galley in exchange for a review. </p><p>The year is 1904 and Thomas Bexley is the world’s first forensic photographer. His expertise is called upon when a young girl, Bestand Tilny, is brutally murdered and her remains are staged in a chilling way. It is up to Bexley to document the grizzly murder and ensure justice can be served. </p><p>I was initially excited to get started on this book. The premise of the first CSI was interesting and fascinating. However, as the plot dragged on, mainly concentrating on how ill our poor protagonist feels, I lost utter interest. The author escapes many of the more technical details by reassuring the reader “he won’t bore us with the detail” and we are back to poor Thomas feeling sick. The book is written in form of a diary, so entirely told from the main character’s perspective. </p><p>I honestly I did not manage to find a single likeable character.</p><p>I did like the scene settings, the descriptions of the village, the woods and church. The plot itself is imaginative, with interesting elements of crime, horror and the supernatural but, for me, the tedious description of poor Thomas’s inflictions took away a lot from the overall story. </p><div><br /></div>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-89601241356083936822020-04-25T10:32:00.003-07:002020-04-25T14:46:11.532-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52859156-i-am-dust"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I Am Dust</span></a> </h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4122943.Louise_Beech">Louise Beech</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52859156-i-am-dust" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="I Am Dust" border="0" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1567678800l/52859156._SX98_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3300846522">5 of 5 stars</a></div>
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I was very lucky to be given an ARC of this book for the purpose of review. This book is one of those rare gems that show up when you least expect it. Louise Beech created a magically haunting book, with complex characters and a story line that captured me from the start. I Am Dust does not neatly fit into any one genre, it has elements of paranormal, thriller, coming of age, romance and psychological. The book does feature some sensitive topics and, I believe, there should be a trigger warning that self harm is mentioned.<br />
The story follows a young theater usher who dreams of being a playwright. Chloe has been obsessed with the world of theater ever since she rehearsed and performed in a summer school play. Back then, she had a best friend. Back then, she did something... Back then... <br />
Now, some fifteen years later, she vaguely remembers that summer. Little does she know that her whole life is about the turned upside down when a favourite play comes back to town. Bit by bit, Chloe recalls what happened that summer. Will remembering and reconnecting with an old love turn out how she dreams? <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole">View all my reviews</a>
NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-54377913816262815382020-02-11T02:45:00.003-08:002020-02-11T02:45:46.495-08:00Witch Dust by Marily Messik - A TBC Review<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35434541-witch-dust">Witch Dust</a> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6190840.Marilyn_Messik">Marilyn Messik</a></span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35434541-witch-dust" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Witch Dust" border="0" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1497452587l/35434541._SX98_.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My rating: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3181460219" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 of 5 stars</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I received a ARC for the purpose of review, many thanks to the author and TBC. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I reserve 5* for those books that have the "special something" and this book is well deserving of the full 5 stars! Marilyn Messik has a unique writing style, each character has its own tone and the book was a delight from start to finish!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serenissima (or Sandra as she defiantly insists) is our much put upon protagonist. She grew up in the shadows of her parents limelight, the marvellous Adam Adamovitch and the lovely Ophelia. Even as child, Sandra tries to have a most normal life, something that can be difficult to achieve when your parents are world renowned magicians. Now an adult, with her own flat, career and relationships, Sandra finds herself reluctantly drawn into one of her parents spats, though this one seems to be far more serious than any in the past. Her mother drops the news of a whole new family branch on to Sandra and this is where the fun really begins. Of course, Sandra has known her entire life that her mother was somewhat different, but now that she meets the rest of her long lost family, she has to admit that it is not just her mother who has strange talents and afflictions. Sandra is called upon to save a family she never knew existed, to bring order to chaos and somehow fix her parent's marriage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The author gives each of her characters distinct personas, from delightfully snarky to eccentrically rude to absentmindedly brilliant.. each and every one of the cast is special and comes to life. If you are looking for a fun, fast read that will have you chuckle out loud, this is a must read. I was delighted to find that Serenissima and all the others will be back for another installment.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View all my reviews</span></a>
NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-5300987980200155902020-02-10T09:22:00.001-08:002020-02-10T09:22:06.329-08:00The Fire Child - A Netgalley Review<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27874165-the-fire-child">The Fire Child</a> </span></span></h2>
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8431087.S_K_Tremayne" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S.K. Tremayne</a></h4>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27874165-the-fire-child" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="The Fire Child" border="0" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463404490l/27874165._SX98_.jpg" width="198" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1664917808">4 of 5 stars</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Rachel follows David to live in the beautiful family estate in Cornwall, she feels she has everything she could wish for. Her life is about to change though and she will uncover some dark and disturbing family secrets. Her stepson Jamie displays some worrying behaviour and she will have to do whatever she can to protect the child. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A twisting plot keeps the reader guessing and intrigued. This is a unique mix of (almost) paranormal mystery, historical fiction and thriller. The author goes to great lengths to describe the scenes and the reader is transported to the untamed country that is Cornwall.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View all my reviews</span></a>
NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-67742690683708971202020-02-10T07:21:00.003-08:002020-02-10T07:21:34.913-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29073628-the-night-stalker"><span style="color: magenta;">The Night Stalker</span></a><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763380.Robert_Bryndza">Robert Bryndza</a></span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29073628-the-night-stalker" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="The Night Stalker (Detective Erika Foster, #2)" border="0" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551890316l/29073628._SX98_.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1650327191">4 of 5 stars</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DCI Erika Foster returns for a second case. This book works very well as a stand alone. Just over a year has gone by since her last case and this time she is not only up against an unusually hot British summer but also a new killer. When three men are found, brutally murdered in a similar fashion, Erika is racing against the clock to make sure there is no other victim. Will she outrun the killer? Will she succeed and not also sacrifice her career and all she has worked for? The reader is taken on another cat and mouse game by Robert Bryndza. He manages to cement DCI Foster as a firm favourite, a strong female character in a male dominated world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The plot hurtles along and the reader is captured and swept away. Robert Bryndza has found a perfect formula for new crime and thriller protagonist. Anyone who enjoys a fast, well thought out and clever crime story will love this installment of the DCI Foster series.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View all my reviews</span></a>
NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-62208093844427604452020-02-08T09:24:00.003-08:002020-02-08T09:24:57.423-08:00Nina Is Not OK - A Netgalley Review<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27245625-nina-is-not-ok">Nina is Not OK</a> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2976520.Shappi_Khorsandi">Shappi Khorsandi</a></span></span></h4>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27245625-nina-is-not-ok" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Nina is Not OK" border="0" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486511060l/27245625._SX98_.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1661505094">5 of 5 stars</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nina is not OK is Shappi Khorsandi's debut novel. This author arrives on the scene with a bang! We meet 17 year old Nina on the possibly worst night of her young life. We experience from Nina's point of view how one fateful evening can impact your life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shappi Khorsandi tackles serious topics such as consent and addiction with sensitivity, kindness, compassion and a big portion of humour. Nina is not ok is a raw and honest story of coming of age, growing and growing up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The book brings to mind the struggles young women in this day and age face, the prejudices that still exist and how social media amplifies misgivings and mistakes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nina is a complex character, the author did a great job developing the many layers and facets of our protagonist. The story moves along at a nice pace and we meet Nina's besties and a host of supporting cast along the way. Definitely a recommended book for young adults.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View all my reviews</span></a>
NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-65190943044858020952020-02-05T08:34:00.001-08:002020-02-05T08:34:15.473-08:00All That Is Buried - A TBC review<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46784997-all-that-is-buried">All That Is Buried</a> </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Robert Scragg</span></div>
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3177286912">3 of 5 stars</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46784997-all-that-is-buried" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="All That Is Buried" border="0" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575341621l/46784997._SX98_.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
I received an ARC of this book for review. <br />
"All that is buried" is book 3 of Robert Scragg's Porter and Styles series. The book works as a stand alone and numerous references and flashbacks to the previous books give some context and background for the dynamics the characters display. <br />
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When little Libby goes missing at a funfair, the team is faced with a harrowing investigation. After months, nothing has led them closer to solving the crime. Libby remains missing and, additionally, the investigation uncovers 9 more murdered children. Will Porter and Styles unravel the mystery? Will Libby's parents find a happily ever after? Twists and turns throughout will keep the reader guessing. <br />
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I have never read a book quite like this. At times, I got very confused and lost the thread as so many story lines are opened and run parallel. Some of the discoveries have absolutely nothing to do with the original crime, they kind of pop up, setting the scene for another book more than adding anything to the story line of this one. The author does manage to pull the strands together in the end, but I am sorry to say, it did not convince me. The sheer amount of side stories were just a bit overwhelming for me.This being the 3rd installment means that some back story is required, however I felt at times that the amount of flashbacks was a little more than necessary. There are some cliches in this book that left me feeling a bit uneasy, such as the "Eastern European" drug lord, the "good" Western European, description of accents etc. The characters are well developed and work well together. The reader gets a very good understanding of each of the main players and "who they are". Little bits of personal life flesh them out and make them personable. This book is definitely one for those who enjoy a multi layered plot evolving.
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/15209339-nicole">View all my reviews</a>
NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-21860817223403602082020-01-10T06:44:00.002-08:002020-01-10T06:46:33.145-08:00Lost Girl - A TBC Review<div class="big450BoxBody" style="background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat-y; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134318081"><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Lost Girl </span></b></a></h2>
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by Holly Kammier</div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My rating: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134318081" style="color: #c24482; font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">4 of 5 stars</a></div>
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This was the first book by Holly Kammier I have read. Readers have to keep in mind, that this is a Young Adult mystery novel and, as such, some older readers may find the format is not as expected. I enjoyed the book and felt it was an intriguing mix between mystery and romance.<br />
Shelby Day is a 21 years old hopeful in the fast paced world of journalism. Her aspirations to make it big in the world of investigative journalism drive her actions. When a double murder of two young women happen in the sleepy little town she interns in, Shelby finds herself more than just professionally interested. Her investigation soon leads to her being targeted by the brutal killer herself.<br />
This book is very clearly written to appeal to a younger audience, the characters are well developed and show complexity and relatable struggles of their own. This is not only a mystery story but also one that touches on personal growth and realtionships between the characters.<br />
The author clearly researched the characteristics a young heroine would display in the 21st century and I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author did not opt for the "obvious choice" when it comes to solving the mystery. It is well worth a read if you are looking for a quick, fun book.</div>
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NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-40738641517505157722019-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:002019-11-27T12:05:32.760-08:00Gerald Oddman - A TBC Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTr3EppdzfhlrAooLZmkhTZy6x1X-LAoGkwXQpM3Yr2p0cVIPQ3v5GlYul370RI6fTRfTHeBzOEfg9T2S9G-N3JKK947H7ElaqfL-VC4k3Y1Q_BzbCDpPZwMVaNot3T9n-WZPkFsS98Iwu/s1600/GO_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTr3EppdzfhlrAooLZmkhTZy6x1X-LAoGkwXQpM3Yr2p0cVIPQ3v5GlYul370RI6fTRfTHeBzOEfg9T2S9G-N3JKK947H7ElaqfL-VC4k3Y1Q_BzbCDpPZwMVaNot3T9n-WZPkFsS98Iwu/s200/GO_.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">My rating: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3064374366" style="background-color: white; color: #c24482; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;">4 of 5 stars</a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I received an advance copy of the book for review.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Gerald Oddman is a very odd man. He arrives, seemingly out of nowhere, in the middle of nowhere. Not a penny to his name, he has to throw himself on the mercy of complete strangers. He is used to being a celebrity, so when his approaches are met with a mix of pity, indifference, hostility and, sometimes, human kindness, he feels more than a little jilted. We encountered the people Gerald meets, an unlikely bunch and not all l</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ikable at all. A group of young hopeless men become Gerald's new entourage. As Gerald's desperate attempts to find his former glory and followers in the 21st century get more curious and daring, we meet his daughter. Instead of helping her father, she manages to expose him as an attention seeking, out of touch and thoroughly unlikable. As quickly as Gerald had found fame, he loses it again.<br />This book is a quick, easy read. The characters and storylines are all neatly interwoven and the plot development is well paced. This book is somewhat thought provoking as it touches on subjects such as God, the reason for being and the meaning of life. It is not overbearing however and more tongue in cheek.<br />I gave 4 stars as i found the end somewhat strange, I am hoping that it is a set up for a sequel. If you are looking for a quick, touching read, this is definitely a book I would recommend.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gerald-Oddman-T-W-M-Ashford-ebook/dp/B07ZBFN4YZ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=gerald+oddman&qid=1574884639&sr=8-1</span></span>NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6856222750929973056.post-59430889743465310172016-06-10T14:24:00.001-07:002016-06-10T15:24:20.919-07:00Redemption - A TBC Review<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25471700"></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25471700">Redemption</a> </h2>
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by Jessica Therrien</h3>
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My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1656250925">4 of 5 stars</a>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25471700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding-right: 20px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Redemption" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1434347511m/25471700.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
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Redemption is the final instalment in Jessica Therrien's "Children of the Gods" trilogy.<br />
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All our favourite characters are back for more adventures and action. In this final book, the descendants' world is given an almost post-apocalyptic make-over. The story moves<br />
at a a fast pace and character, world and plot development all hurtle along. <br />
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Will it all end in a "happy ever after"? Will humans and descendants finally embrace their differences and work together to create a new world? <br />
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Jessica Therrien successfully combines ancient myth with modern problems and ideology. Although all three books seem to have a different focus, all are well written, with continued character and story development. This final book definitely has some darker moments that would delight any fan of <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> post-apocalyptic fantasy </span> fiction.
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<br />NickyReviewsReadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18292071471553718080noreply@blogger.com0