Book Review: The Blame Game by Sandie Jones

 

                                                    Kindle Edition, 256 pages
                                               Published August 16th 2022 by Minotaur Books
                                                    Buy on Amazon

She knows she’s telling the truth. But the evidence says she’s lying.

As a psychologist specializing in domestic abuse, Naomi has found it hard to not become overly invested in her clients’ lives. But after helping the middle-aged Jacob make the decision to leave his wife, Naomi has begun to worry that she’s gone too far this time. On the morning of Jacob’s first session after his escape, doors that Naomi is sure she’d locked have been mysteriously left open, and Jacob’s client file is missing.

Then, another client approaches Naomi for assistance in leaving behind her abusive husband, and Naomi is once again unable to turn aside someone in need. But are the missing papers and unlocked doors symptoms of Naomi’s own dark past raising its ugly head, or something more? And is it possible that her clients aren’t the only ones in danger, but Naomi herself?

                                             BOOK REVIEW:

The Blame Game by Sandie Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a psychologist specializing in domestic abuse, Naomi has found it hard to not become overly invested in her clients’ lives. That's where her troubles start.
Jacob Is a client of hers who is being abused by his wife and needs help. Naomi just can't seem to listen to her husband, Leon, when he says keep everything professional. Naomi helps Jacob outside of her office and that's when things go bad.
Anna is also a client of Naomi's and abused by her husband after a year of grief , of losing their son.
Naomi's family was torn apart as a child, she saw her father kill her mother after years of abuse. Her and her sister were put into foster care and they were seperated. Now her dad is released from jail and her sister is reaching out to her.
I really liked this book and would have loved it but when Naomi is questioned about a lot of things she decides to lie and cover things up. If she had sat down ad told the whole story things might have been much better for her. Especially with her husband. I read it in 1 day because I could not stop reading. I had to know what was going on and was I surprised.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur books for the book to review.

View all my reviews

                                                              Sandie Jones


Website
http://www.sandiejones.co.uk/

Twitter
realsandiejones




Sandie Jones has worked as a freelance journalist for over twenty years, and has written for publications including the Sunday Times, Woman’s Weekly and the Daily Mail. She lives in London with her husband and three children. The Other Woman is her debut novel.

Book Review: The Challenge by Danielle Steel

 

                                                     Kindle Edition, 272 pages
                                                    Published August 16th 2022
                                                    Buy on Amazon

In this thrilling novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a small community is tested when their children go missing while exploring a dangerous local peak, forcing them to band together during the crisis.

Fishtail, Montana, is home to Anne and Pitt Pollock, local royalty, high school sweethearts, and owners of the successful Pollock ranch. The sprawling foothills of the Beartooth Mountains surround the town, overlooking the Pollocks’ property and the nearby ranch belonging to Bill and Pattie Brown. The two couples have known each other since childhood.

Their sons Peter Pollock and Matt Brown are also the best of friends. When they and two other local kids meet Juliet Marshall, new to town after her parents’ bitter divorce, the five of them are soon inseparable, spending their summer days swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.

But one August afternoon, their latest adventure takes a dangerous turn—and quickly escalates into a battle for survival—when they find themselves trapped on Granite Peak. Fear reverberates through the town as their parents grow ever more desperate to hear word that their children have been found. They must place their own trials aside amid a massive search-and-rescue operation. As they come to lean on one another for support, a media frenzy ensues, heightening tensions and testing some already fragile relationships.

In the aftermath of this one fateful event, devastating secrets are revealed, new love appears on the horizon, and families are forced to reconsider what they once held dear. In The Challenge, Danielle Steel deftly weaves a story that is a portrait of courage and a striking tale of the bonds of love and family.

                                                            MY REVIEW:

The Challenge by Danielle Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tom, Beth and their daughter, Julie, live in NYC and Tom does not like living there anymore or his life. He wants them all to move to Fishtail, Montana. Beth is all for the fast life and thinks he needs to grow up. They decide to divorce and Tom moves to Montana. It's a simpler more laid back life and he loves it there.
When Juliet comes to visit him for a few weeks, she also loves it and makes fast friends.
Anne and Pitt Pollock, local royalty, high school sweethearts, and owners of the successful Pollock ranch.
Bill and Pattie Brown own the nearby ranch and the 4 of them are friends.
Their sons Peter Pollock and Matt Brown are also the best of friends. When they and two other local kids meet Juliet Marshall, new to town after her parents’ bitter divorce, the five of them are soon inseparable, spending their summer days swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.
But one August afternoon, their latest adventure takes a dangerous turn—and quickly escalates into a battle for survival—when they find themselves trapped on Granite Peak.
Wow! For young teenagers they are very smart and have to learn to survive. The whole community comes together to find the kids. I sat and read this as fast as I could since I wanted to know if they were all going to make it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the book to review.

View all my reviews

                                                                     Danielle Steel

Born in New York, New York, The United States
August 14, 1947

Website
http://daniellesteel.com

Twitter
daniellesteel

Genre
Fiction, Romance


Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood.

daniellesteel.com
Facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial
Twitter: @daniellesteel
Instagram: @officialdaniellesteel

Book Review: The Ex Between Us by Nicola Marsh

 

                                                     Kindle Edition, 323 pages
                                                     Published August 12th 2022
                                                     Buy on Amazon

The best of friends keep the deadliest secrets…

Jo is my best friend. From high school to adulthood, we’ve gone through everything together. Even when I made a foolish mistake and betrayed her in the worst way, she forgave me. She’s godmother to my son and our lives are intertwined. We want the best for each other, always.

I hope she approves of my new boyfriend Noah. How could she not? Noah is kind, attentive and loves me for who I am. But when I introduce them over dinner one evening, Jo doesn’t look happy. She’s always been protective of me and as Noah clutches my hand, I force her reaction to the back of my mind.

But later Jo tells me that someone is threatening her and she fears for her life. And all too soon, the threats land at my door too. At first it’s small things: my precious roses destroyed, my mail sabotaged. But when I receive a note saying, “I want your life,” I’m terrified.

Someone wants to cause me harm. They’re prepared to take everything I love. But are they closer to me than I could have ever imagined?

                                                     MY REVIEW:

The Ex Between Us by Nicola Marsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abigail and Jo have been best friends since high school. Even when Abigail made a mistake that hurt Jo. Jo is godmother to Abigail's son, Robbie. They are always there for each other.
Abigail's son just moved away to college and things have been over for Abigail and Cal, Robbie's father, for quite some time.
Abi now has a new boyfriend but is it as it seems? Jo is wanting Cal's friend Tom and thinks maybe there could be something between them.
But then someone starts targeting Abi and Jo. Leaving things at both of their doorsteps. Who would want to hurt both of them? It seems that 2 women they went to school with are in town and one was the mean girl from high school.
Just when I thought I had an idea what was going on then something would happen to change my mind.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the book to review.

View all my reviews

                                                         Nicola Marsh


Website
http://www.nicolamarsh.com

Twitter
NicolaMarsh

Genre
Romance, Mystery and Thrillers, Women's Fiction



URL
https://www.goodreads.com/nicola_marsh


USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.

She has published 80 books and sold over 8 million copies worldwide.

She currently writes domestic suspense novels for Hachette UK's Bookouture, rural romance for Harper Collins Australia's HQ imprint, and contemporary romance.

She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.

She loves chatting on social media!

Book Review: The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb

 

                                                   Kindle Edition, 315 pages
                                           Published August 1st 2022 by Thomas & Mercer
                                                         Buy on Amazon

From USA Today bestselling author Debra Webb comes the thrilling first installment in the Finley O’Sullivan series, featuring a legal investigator haunted by her past and obsessed with the truth.

Legal investigator Finley O’Sullivan searches for evidence the police overlooked, wading through secrets, lies, and betrayal to find answers. With the unsolved murder of her husband still very much on her mind, Finley must confront her own personal trauma on a daily basis. Lies are part of her livelihood, but they’re also the reason she can’t get justice for the man she loved.

When a man imprisoned for murder recants his confession, claiming he cleaned up the mess for his girlfriend—the victim’s own daughter—Finley takes on the case. She discovers the victim had identical twin daughters…and the sisters have very different accounts of the crime.

As she dives headlong into the twins’ traumatic past, Finley will have to contend with her own demons to get to the truth—before it’s too late.

                                                            MY REVIEW:

The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book of a series and I will definately want to read the rest when they come out.
Finley is a Legal Investigator whose husband was killed. As she is trying to figure out who killed him she is investigating a murder of a man who had twin daughters. The man who is behind bars for the murder is now recanting his story.
Finley has so much going on. Her mother is a judge and is not close to her. The Judge, as Finley calls her, is cold and standoffish and Finley can't seem to do anything right in her eyes. Finley's dad is the opposite and is always there for her.
We keep finding out things about Finley's husband and as we read and get near the end of the book we still have questions, which is what I am assuming the rest of the series will be based on.
The twin daughters are very opposite each other, one is living with their mom and is an introvert, very different than before her dad was killed. The other twin left town to move on with her life. But I was trying to figure out who is really who they say they are.
Meanwhile Finley is questioning another woman which also opens up another can of worms.
By the time I got to the end of the book I had thought I had things figured out and then bam, we are hit with a twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the book to review.

View all my reviews

                                                                      Debra Webb


Born in The United States

Website
http://www.DebraWebb.com

Twitter
https://twitter.com/DebraWebbAuthor

Genre
Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, Suspense




DEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 150 novels, including reader favorites the Shades of Death, the Faces of Evil and the Colby Agency series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.

With more than four million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.

Book Review: Stay Awake by Megan Goldin

 

                                                Kindle Edition, 352 pages
                                    Published August 9th 2022 by St. Martin's Press
                                                    Buy on Amazon

Liv Reese wakes up in the back of a taxi with no idea where she is or how she got there. When she’s dropped off at the door of her brownstone, a stranger answers—a stranger who now lives in her apartment and forces her out in the cold. She reaches for her phone to call for help, only to discover it’s missing, and in its place is a bloodstained knife. That’s when she sees that her hands are covered in black pen, scribbled messages like graffiti on her skin: STAY AWAKE.

Two years ago, Liv was living with her best friend, dating a new man, and thriving as a successful writer for a trendy magazine. Now, she’s lost and disoriented in a New York City that looks nothing like what she remembers. Catching a glimpse of the local news, she’s horrified to see reports of a crime scene where the victim’s blood has been used to scrawl a message across a window, the same message that’s inked on her hands. What did she do last night? And why does she remember nothing from the past two years? Liv finds herself on the run for a crime she doesn’t remember committing as she tries to piece together the fragments of her life. But there’s someone who does know exactly what she did, and they’ll do anything to make her forget—permanently.

A complex thriller that unfolds at a breakneck speed, Stay Awake will keep you up all night.

                                              MY REVIEW:

Stay Awake by Megan Goldin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liv Reese wakes up in a taxi and doesn't know where she is. She goes to the brownstone, where she lives but 2 strangers are there and they have no idea who she is. she reaches for her phone, in her pocket but it's not there , instead there is a bloodied knife. That’s when she sees that her hands are covered in black pen, scribbled messages like graffiti on her skin: STAY AWAKE.
This story goes back and forth from the present to 2 years ago.
She’s horrified to see reports of a crime scene where the victim’s blood has been used to scrawl a message across a window, the same message that’s inked on her hands. What did she do last night? And why does she remember nothing from the past two years?
This book grabbed me from the beginning and read it all in 1 sitting. As we find out what has happened 2 years ago I had an idea what had happened and maybe who had done what. I felt really bad for Liv as she would forget everything every time she woke up.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the book to review.

View all my reviews

                                                        Megan Goldin


Website
http://www.megangoldin.com/

Genre
Thriller, Suspense, Crime




Megan Goldin is the bestselling author of "The Escape Room", praised by Lee Child as "one of my favorite books of the year", as well as "The Girl In Kellers Way", a critically-acclaimed domestic noir thriller nominated for Australia's leading crime fiction awards.
Megan worked as a journalist for Reuters, the Australian ABC and Yahoo! News before writing her debut psychological thriller The Girl In Kellers Way.

Audiobook review: shattered by James Patterson and James O. Born

 

                                       Audiobook

                       Published July 18th 2022 by Little, Brown Company

                                      Buy on Amazon

Nothing could tear Detective Michael Bennett away from his new bride—except the murder of the woman who is his partner and best friend.

NYPD master homicide investigator Michael Bennett and top FBI abduction specialist Emily Parker have a history.

Working case after case, each can predict the other’s next move. So when she fails to show at FBI headquarters in Washington, DC, Bennett risks venturing far outside his jurisdiction. The investigation her undertakes is the most brilliant detective work of his career…and the most intensely personal.

A portrait begins to emerge of a woman as adept at keeping secrets as forging powerful connections. A woman whose enemies had both the means and the motives to silence the real Emily Parker—and her protectors.

                                                    MY REVIEW:

Shattered by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book #14 of the Michael Bennett series.
NYPD master homicide investigator Michael Bennett and top FBI abduction specialist Emily Parker have a history.
Emily fails to show up at FBI Headquarters which worries Michael and on top of that he has a missed call from her and she is not answering her phone. So he goes outside his jurisdiction to go find her.
I have not read the other books in the series but they are on my TBR.
Michael and his wife had just gotten married and raising Michael's 10 adopted kids. I really cant wait to read more of this series to find out why he had adopted 10 kids.
He also investigates , no matter, what until he gets answers. Even if it pisses off people and he gets physically hurt in the process.
I received this audio from Hachette for review.

View all my reviews

   
                                                      James Patterson


Born in Newburgh, New York, The United States

Website
http://www.jamespatterson.com/

Twitter
JP_Books

Genre
Literature & Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Young Adult


Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead



James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author and most trusted storyteller. He has created more enduring fictional characters than any other novelist writing today, with his Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women’s Murder Club, Private, NYPD Red, Daniel X, Maximum Ride, and Middle School series. He has sold over 380 million books worldwide and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers. In addition to writing the thriller novels for which he is best known, among them The President Is Missing with President Bill Clinton, Patterson also writes fiction for young readers of all ages, including the Max Einstein series, produced in partnership with the Albert Einstein Estate. He is also the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on the New York Times adult and children’s bestseller lists.

                                                                 James O. Born


Born in The United States

Website
http://www.jamesoborn.com/

Genre
Mystery & Thrillers



James O. Born is a Special Agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). He has been involved in investigations in such areas as organized crime, violent crimes, economic crimes, drug cartels, and public corruption. It has now been fourteen years since Born started writing, and ironically, he has the same editor as W E B Griffin and Tom Clancy - the very authors he spent his time reading during those long surveillances years ago. Born currently lives in suburban Palm Beach County with his wife Donna, and two children, John and Emily.

Book Review: The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne

 

                                                ebook, Advance Reader Copy, 343 pages

                              Expected publication: August 5th 2022 by Bookouture
                                          Buy On Amazon

Sitting side by side on the clifftop, he turns to her solemnly and says, ‘The water witch is real.’ She rolls her eyes and grins, teasing him. ‘Sure. A psycho mermaid. Got it.’ But now he’s gone forever… will she find the truth beneath the waves?

Brittany, France. Ariadne Walker’s fiancé Simon drowned in the stormy Atlantic Ocean doing what he loved: searching for the lost underwater city of Ys. Local legend says it was destroyed centuries ago when the princess of Ys became a water witch, cursing the name of the man who betrayed her.

Ari never believed these tall tales. And the letter Simon sent before he died finishing their relationship is a devastating secret she’ll take to the grave. But arriving in Brittany, Ari encounters a man emerging from the sea in a rocky cove, saltwater dripping from his dark hair. Rafael swears the legends are true: and his ancestor was cursed by the water witch. Now, his own life is in terrible danger. And the secret to breaking the curse lies hidden in the lost city.

When Ari finds a cryptic map and a golden mask of a woman’s face amongst Simon’s things, she has no choice but to believe Rafael’s plea. Can they follow the trail and save Rafael’s life? Pouring over the map by candlelight, the flickering flames only add to the heat between them… but will Ari’s fragile heart soon be shattered all over again? And will they ever find Ys and break the curse – or will the water witch demand another sacrifice?

An absolutely addictive romantic fantasy read filled with passion and mystery, that will sweep you away to the wild coast of northern France. Filled with real myths and legends from this magical place, The Water Witch is perfect for fans of Luanne G. Smith, River of Shadows and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

                                                         MY REVIEW:

The Water Witch by Jessica Thorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did not think I would like this book as much as I did. I ended up loving it and the mystery of a city under water and a curse of a mask.
Brittany, France. Ariadne Walker’s fiancé Simon drowned in the stormy Atlantic Ocean doing what he loved: searching for the lost underwater city of Ys.
Local legend says it was destroyed centuries ago when the princess of Ys became a water witch, cursing the name of the man who betrayed her
Ari never believed these tall tales. And the letter Simon sent before he died finishing their relationship is a devastating secret she’ll take to the grave.
Rafael swears the legends are true: and his ancestor was cursed by the water witch. Now, his own life is in terrible danger
Ari's brother, Jason and friend Nico call Ari to please come back to Brittany as he found something.
Rafael's aunt wants their help and Rafael's family is very rich and can make things happen so Ari and Jason are hired to find the mask and the Ys
Then another death happens which makes them have more questions. As Ari and Rafael get closer and things start happening. This which cant be real but are. Who is Gwen and Laure and what do they have to do with all of this? We know Laure is Rafael's sister but I didn't trust her. I trusted Gwen even less.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the book to review.

View all my reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jessica Thorne


Born Ireland

Website
http://www.rflong.com/jessicathorne/

Twitter
JessThorneBooks

Genre
Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy



URL
https://www.goodreads.com/jessicathorne


Jessica Thorne watched far too much sci-fi and read far too much fantasy at an impressionable age. And it was awesome. She writes fantasy and sci-fi romance with a steampunk edge and just refuses to face reality.

Book Review: The Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates

 

                                                    Kindle Edition

                                                    Published June 28th 2022
                                                    Buy on Amazon

Ruby McKee is a miracle. Found abandoned on a bridge as a newborn baby by the McKee sisters, she’s become the unofficial mascot of Pear Blossom, Oregon, a symbol of hope in the wake of a devastating loss. Ruby has lived a charmed life, and when she returns home after traveling abroad, she’s expecting to settle into that charm. But an encounter with the town’s black sheep makes her question the truth about her mysterious past.

Dahlia McKee knows it’s not right to resent Ruby for being special. But uncovering the truth about Ruby’s origins could allow Dahlia to carve her own place in Pear Blossom history.

Recently widowed Lydia McKee has enough on her plate without taking on Ruby’s quest for answers. Especially when her husband’s best friend, Chase, is beginning to become a complication she doesn’t want or need.

Marianne Martin is glad her youngest sister is back in town, but it’s hard to support Ruby’s crusade when her own life is imploding.

When the quest for the truth about Ruby’s origins uncovers a devastating secret, will the McKee sisters fall apart or band together?

                                                         MY REVIEW:

The Lost and Found Girl: A Novel by Maisey Yates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this full of 2 mysteries that I just could not help wondering who, what and why?
Ruby McKee is found abandoned on a bridge, as a baby. No one knew who she was but was deemed a miracle.
She’s become the unofficial mascot of Pear Blossom, Oregon, a symbol of hope in the wake of a devastating loss. Ruby has lived a charmed life, and when she returns home after traveling abroad, she’s expecting to settle into that charm.
Dahlia McKee knows it’s not right to resent Ruby for being special.
Recently widowed Lydia McKee has enough on her plate without taking on Ruby’s quest for answers.
Marianne Martin is glad her youngest sister is back in town, but it’s hard to support Ruby’s crusade when her own life is imploding.
They are 4 sister's, one by adoption and each one is very different from the other.
Some hide their feelings and some don't.
Another mystery in town is of a missing girl from 20 years ago and her boyfriend was always to blame no matter how much he denies it. He is the black sheep of the town and is back.
The end will have you saying I did not see that coming.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the kindle to review.

View all my reviews

                                                            Maisey Yates


Website
http://www.maiseyyates.com

Twitter
maiseyyates

Genre
Romance



URL
https://www.goodreads.com/maiseyyates


New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.

Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.

She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.