Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer

Life is strange for Patrick Fort - being a medical student with Asperger’s Syndrome doesn’t come without its challenges. And that’s before he is faced with solving a possible murder. 

Because the body Patrick is examining in anatomy class is trying to tell him all kinds of things. And now he must stay out of danger long enough to unravel the mystery – while he dissects his own evidence...

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. 

I unfortunately couldn't get into it and found the characters rather dull and disillusioned for me to understand where they were going. I felt like there was 2 main characters vying for my attention in the story. I couldn't grasp the concept.

Sorry to others who've enjoyed the book.

Love, Lies and Lemon Cake by Sue Watson

Love, Lies and Lemon Cake is a hilarious, bittersweet comedyabout taking your life back before it’s too late. 

Faye Dobson has lost her sparkle. Living on film star fantasies and vague memories of a marriage that once was, she can’t help feeling that life is passing her by. She dreams of being whisked to Paris for dinner, making three wishes at the Trevi fountain and having sex under the stars. But the wrinkles are multiplying, her husband’s passion is for plumbing, and the nearest she’ll get to Rome is a take-away pizza. 

So when Faye meets Dan the gorgeous Australian surfer guy working in the local deli she can’t help but wonder what it would be like to see the world. He is blonde, tanned, ten years younger and bakes the most amazing lemon cake. Unlike her husband Dan actually listens to Faye, his smile makes her feel fizzy inside, and when he smiles... Oh. My. God. 

But is Faye being silly? What would Dan see in someone like her? Even if he did have feelings for her, could she give up everything to be with him? 

I would like to thank the author Sue Watson and publisher Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing to read and review this book.

I want to say this is the first book I've read by Sue Watson and it certainly won't be the last. I loved the characters and the way the story twisted around a middle aged woman and what she wants. I would never of thought doing a Living List and that certainly gives me ideas of what I want to do with my life. I am also a middle aged woman (wouldn't believe me if you saw me lol). But the way Faye and Dan fall for each other is immense and I loved the places Faye wants to go and explore. Fiesty woman and so down to earth.

Can't wait to read more and carry on storytelling Sue Watson.

NYPD Red 3 (NYPD Red #3) by James Patterson & Marshall Karp

PROTECT THE RICH. SERVE THE FAMOUS. HUNT THE GUILTY.

NYPD Red is the elite, highly trained task force assigned to protect the rich, the famous, and the connected. And Detective Zach Jordan and his partner Kylie MacDonald-the woman who broke his heart at the police academy-are the best of the best, brilliant and tireless investigators who will stop at nothing to deliver justice. 

Zach and Kylie's New Year's celebrations are cut short when they're called to the home of billionaire businessman Hunter Alden, Jr. after he makes a grisly discovery in his townhouse garage. When Alden's teenage son goes missing soon afterwards, and his father seems oddly reluctant to find him, Zach and Kylie find themselves in the middle of a chilling conspiracy that threatens everyone in its wake-especially their city's most powerful citizens. NYPD Red 3 is the next sensational novel in James Patterson's explosive new series, a thriller that goes behind the closed doors of New York high society and into the depths of depravity. 

I would like to thank the authors and publisher for allowing me to read this book. It's the 3rd in the NYPD Red series which was as explosive as usual.

I'm still not keen on Detective Kylie MacDonald as I find her quite harsh and obnoxious with Detective Zach Jordan. But the storyline was good and loved watching it unravel. The new book is out in the New Year, which I can't wait to read more antics of the NYPD Red series.

A Christmas Gift by Stella Wilkinson

Holly and Caleb had been best friends as children, growing up on the same street, but as teenagers they couldn't be further apart. When Caleb unexpectedly asked Holly to help him pick out a Christmas gift for his girlfriend, neither of them anticipated where it would lead. 
A young adult romantic comedy, from Stella Wilkinson, acclaimed author of The Flirting Games Series. 

I would like to thank the author for writing this short story. It's a great Christmas book for in between books. It brings the joy of what teenagers go through when you fall in love with a childhood sweetheart and they don't notice you.

I found this book by accident and needed something to read in between my books. I loved the way the story went and that it was a fun book to read as well.

Will definitely be looking to read more Stella Wilkinson books in the future.

Yesterday's Shadow by Eris Berresford

We all have secrets... things from the past that shape our lives and make us who we are. Successful author, Bastian Crow has a secret: something dark and disturbing. It is a secret someone wants him to keep hidden. They have killed three times to ensure it's secrecy... and Bastian Crow is next.

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read her novel. Also for a friend who recommended this terrific book to me as well.

I found there was a few grammatical errors and maybe some spelling mistakes. But nothing to hold back the impact the book had for me. I found the characters rather intriguing and wondered at times where the book was leading. I will say that it had me stumped at the beginning wondering what Bastian Crow had to do with the story in the sense of why he was next. But as the story carried on, I found myself thinking I knew where it was and what was meant to happen. What is Bastian Crow hiding, you will have to read this book to find out the secrets :D

I found the author to be believable and loved her 1st novel. I hope she continues to write more and if she does, I hope it's as good as her 1st.

Shtum by Jem Lester

Powerful, darkly funny and heart-breaking, Shtum is a story about fathers and sons, autism, and dysfunctional relationships.

Ben Jewell has hit breaking point. His ten-year-old son Jonah has severe autism and Ben and his wife, Emma, are struggling to cope.

When Ben and Emma fake a separation - a strategic decision to further Jonah's case in an upcoming tribunal - Ben and Jonah move in with Georg, Ben's elderly father. In a small house in North London, three generations of men - one who can't talk; two who won't - are thrown together.

A powerful, emotional, but above all enjoyable read, perfect for fans of THE SHOCK OF THE FALL and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read and understand this book.

I have an Autistic daughter who's been recently diagnosed on ASD. It's opened my eyes to the wonders of my daughter and all her friends. I loved how it shows that Autism can be inherited but years has gone by before anyone has realised.

I found the book really eye opening and thought provoking as you see in the eyes of other parents and the struggles they go through daily. Makes you realise to never judge a person/book by what you 1st see.

Lost Girls (D.I. Kim Stone #3) by Angela Marsons

Two girls go missing. Only one will return. 
The couple that offers the highest amount will see their daughter again. The losing couple will not. Make no mistake. One child will die. 

When nine-year-old best friends Charlie and Amy disappear, two families are plunged into a living nightmare. A text message confirms the unthinkable; that the girls are the victims of a terrifying kidnapping. 

And when a second text message pits the two families against each other for the life of their children, the clock starts ticking for D.I. Kim Stone and the squad. 

Seemingly outwitted at every turn, as they uncover a trail of bodies, Stone realises that these ruthless killers might be the most deadly she has ever faced. And that their chances of bringing the girls home alive, are getting smaller by the hour… 

Untangling a dark web of secrets from the families’ past might hold the key to solving this case. But can Kim stay alive long enough to do so? Or will someone’s child pay the ultimate price? 

I would like to thank Bookouture, the author Angela Marsons and Netgalley for allowing me to read this wonderful 3rd installment of D.I. Stone's escapades. 

This starts with a girl going missing and there are more that go missing through the book. The hunt is on for the lost girls and D.I. Stone and gang are on the case. 4 families have had their daughter taken, only 1 girl can come home. Who's willing to pay the ultimate price for their daughter. 


This was a fast paced book with such a thrill and the in depth structure that D.I. Stone and gang are willing to save them ALL. Can D.I. Stone save the girls and catch the perpetrators in time or will they ALL die. Angela Marsons has done it again with this book and I loved every second of it. Can't wait to see what she has planned for D.I. Stone and gang in the future.

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

THE SENSATIONAL SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

A tragic accident. It all happened so quickly. She couldn't have prevented it. Could she?

In a split second, Jenna Gray's world descends into a nightmare. Her only hope of moving on is to walk away from everything she knows to start afresh. Desperate to escape, Jenna moves to a remote cottage on the Welsh coast, but she is haunted by her fears, her grief and her memories of a cruel November night that changed her life forever.

Slowly, Jenna begins to glimpse the potential for happiness in her future. But her past is about to catch up with her, and the consequences will be devastating . . .

I want to thank the author for allowing me to read this book. I am still in 2 minds about what I think of it. It's still a confusing book to me, maybe cos I never read the other books that are meant to be like it.

I would definitely read more of Clare's books and I think it was a great storyline, just miffed how I feel about a book.

Down and Out in Beverly Heels by Kathryn Leigh Scott

From brunch in Bel Air to homeless in Hollywood…

Former actress Meg Barnes used to have it all: tony Beverly Hills address, Amex Black card, Manolos for every day of the month. Not to mention a career as a popular TV detective that made her glittering life possible. But her lifestyle of the rich and famous has turned into a reality show for d-listed starlets. Lost in her Louboutins, she has one man to thank: her con man of a husband.

Handsome FBI agent Jack Mitchell knows a suspect when he sees one—even if she’s as beautiful and gutsy as Meg. Meg’s ex “made off” with half of Hollywood’s wealth in an epic real estate scam. And Jack thinks Meg may have been involved. 

Determined to prove her innocence Meg teams up with her quirky, movie-mad best friend to track down her fugitive husband and exact justice. But getting her life, and her career, back on track is harder than auditioning for Spielberg. Especially when her life is threatened. Meg has to trust Jack, the man who may want her behind bars…or as his leading lady for life.

I would like to thank the publisher and author for allowing me to read/listen to this book.

It starts off good and follows Meg Barnes life as her ex husband is on the run or killed. 

Doll Bones by Holly Black

My name is Eleanor Kerchner.

You can call me the Queen.

I died in 1895.

Now it's time to play.

A chilling ghost story by the bestselling author of The Spiderwick Chronicles, Holly Black.

I would like to thank the publishers, Netgalley and the author for letting me read this book.

I found this kids book rather weird with some pictures. The way the doll was leading these 3 children on a journey. Never read any of Holly Black's books, but would read them if I come across them.

Cruel Justice (Lorne Simpkins #1) by M.A. Comley

The headless body of a wealthy widow is discovered decomposing in Chelling Forest. Then a second victim is found. Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins and her partner, DS Pete Childs are assigned the case. 

Before they can discover the identity of the killer they must make a connection between the two victims.

After a third murder, Lorne receives a grisly surprise. Clearly, a vicious serial killer is on a rampage...and Lorne has become the killer's fixation. 

Lorne can't allow her failing marriage or her new boss--a man with whom she shares a sensuous secret--keep her from focusing on her job. She must catch the macabre murderer, or risk becoming the next victim.

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this wonderful start to a series.

I found this book really good and gripping all the way through. I felt sorry for DI Simpkins as her life was unfolding in front of her. I loved the way the author added certain things along the way and bought some real life stuff into the book.

Can't wait to read more of the series and see what happens with Lorne Simpkins.

The Blissfully Dead by Louise Voss & Mark Edwards

She couldn’t believe that he wanted to meet her. He was famous. She was a nobody. Finally, someone could see how special she was…

When the body of a teenage girl is found in a London hotel, DI Patrick Lennon is mystified. Nobody saw her or her killer enter the hotel, and there is no apparent motive—until a second teenager is found and Lennon realises somebody is targeting fans of the world’s biggest boy band.

As Lennon struggles with both his home life and his rivals on the force, the pressure to catch the killer before he strikes again reaches fever pitch. And when Lennon makes a terrible mistake that ends in disaster, he finds himself in a race to save not only the lives of more teenage girls but also his own career.

Exploring the darkest depths of the entertainment industry and the terrifying dangers of social media, The Blissfully Dead is a new masterclass in tension from the #1 bestselling authors of From the Cradle.

I would like to thank the authors and the publishers as well as Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

It carries on from where From The Cradle left off. DI Patrick Lennon is getting reacquainted with his wife after the previous incident. A new boy band has hit the lights and with all the screaming girls and bitchiness on the forums, girls are being murdered. Who is killing these girls and why?????

I loved reading about the boy band to the extent it kinda felt like I was a teeny bopper lol when these bands were around. Some things was a shock to me as well and the twists and turns was really good. Can't wait for more DI Lennon.

Time to Die by Caroline Mitchell

Don’t ever cross his palm with silver.
He will reveal your most shameful secrets.
He will predict your death.
He is hiding a secret.
He is hiding a monster.
And all his predictions come true.

Investigating a series of chilling murders, Detective Jennifer Knight finds herself tracking a mysterious tarot card reader known only as The Raven.

As the death toll rises, Jennifer and her team build a picture of a serial killer on the edge of sanity, driven by dark forces. But these are not random killings. And the method behind the madness could be the most terrifying thing of all …

Especially when it seems the death of one of their own is on the cards.

I would like to thank the author and the publishers Bookouture for allowing me to read this book.

When I started this book, I knew it was going to carry on where the previous book kinda left off. I was surprised with the way the book turned out with the twists and turns. You never see who the real culprit was till the end and Jennifer was really shocked at the end as well.

At the end of the book, makes you think there is a 3rd book coming (I'm hoping Ms Mitchell is reading this to do a 3rd book ;-) ). It was a great read and had me thinking at the end still.

From the Cradle - Louise Voss, Mark Edwards

The first child was taken from her house.
The second from his mother's car.
The third from her own bedroom...

When Helen and Sean Philips go out for the evening, leaving their teenage daughter babysitting little Frankie, they have no idea that they are about to face every parent's greatest fear.

Detective Inspector Patrick Lennon is hopeful that the three children who have been abducted in this patch of south-west London will be returned safe and well. But when a body is found in a local park, Lennon realizes that time is running out—and that nothing in this case is as it seems...

Blending police procedural with psychological thriller, From the Cradle will have every parent checking that their children are safe in their beds...then checking again.

I would like to thank the authors for allowing me to read this book. I have had this book for a bit and also the audio as well. At 1st I wasn't sure how this book was going to pan out due to the nature of the synopsis as it led me to believe that it was like someone taking babies.

As I got further into the book and read more, it got to the part where it was leading the reader to believe there was something more to the storyline that they 1st perceived. DI Patrick Lennon has a past that his colleagues know about, but no one speaks about. I disliked DI Adrian Winkler for his arrogance and downright rude nature lol. But a great story never the less.

The book reminded me of a time when my daughter was little and did a walk about to a main road (I know it's not like she was taken), but it bought back the fear I had all those years ago. Praise for both authors and can't wait to read more from them.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple is a 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker which won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction. It was later adapted into a film and musical of the same name.

Taking place mostly in rural Georgia, the story focuses on the life of women of color in the southern United States in the 1930s, addressing numerous issues including their exceedingly low position in American social culture. The novel has been the frequent target of censors and appears on the American Library Association list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2000-2009 at number seventeen because of the sometimes explicit content, particularly in terms of violence.

I have been meaning to read this for a while and hubby has informed me I have watched the film. Mind you, I don't remember the film much (just 3 people who was in it. Oprah Winfrey, Whoppi Goldberg and I think Danny Glover). 

I felt like I was just reading letters between Celie and God, Celie and her sister Nettie. But with the insight to everyday life. Was ok for me to listen to. But I can see where people have liked it.

Not Over (Parker Siblings #4) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Dustin Parker had life and love in his grasp until the moment she disappeared without a good-bye. He has watched his sisters struggle, fall in love, and find a happily ever after. He thought it was his turn, but fate had other plans. Leaving the family again, this time to attend school across the country, he will play soccer, and try to keep her off his mind. All of a sudden in walks someone to occupy his bed but not his heart. Why is he promising her forever? 

Teryn Hall has suffered years of abuse, held a prisoner in her home by the one man who should have nurtured and loved her. Her scars run deep, and when her pain bubbles to the surface she can’t control the memories and the anguish. She thought she was doing the right thing when she walked away. She thought he would wait for her. Didn’t he promise her forever? Right when she thinks things are back on track, the news of Dustin moving on could derail her. 

Can love really survive anything? 

**This is fourth book in series**
***Due to strong language and sexual content not intended for anyone under age of 18***
****This book does reference abuse****

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read and review this wonderful box set.

This is the fourth and final book in the Parker Sibling series. This is all about Teryn Hall and Dustin Parker. How Teryn's father has screwed up her life and the whole Parker clan. There are some scenes in the book that are disturbing and makes you think how crap life is and what kids are capable of. 

A great way to finish off the series and many thanks to Leigh Ann Lunsford for the great series.

Not Hiding (Parker Siblings #3) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Cambree Parker has finally flown the nest and headed off to college in a different state, truly alone for the first time. Trying to escape from her sisters shadows, she runs from the lies and deceit that have plagued her family for years, and from the boy who stole her heart and shredded it in the process. Once there, she realizes her freedom is not all she hoped it would be. She misses her family, thinks of Max daily, and when she decides she wants to take control, she is attacked, leaving her family to fear for their safety. Can she protect her heart and remain safe when the source of her heartache has taken up permanent residence by her side?

Max Baird knew he messed up. His guilt over Cambree being attacked makes him doubt if he is good enough for her. He just knows he can’t walk away. She has told him she hates the lies, but the one he is keeping can blow her family apart, and he doesn’t know if she will ever forgive him. He has seen his share of sorrow and heartbreak, but he refuses to allow Cambree to suffer at his hands anymore. He will prove to her they can work. Hopefully he isn’t too late.

I would like to thank the author for letting me read and review this wonderful Installment of Parker Siblings.

This installment carries on from where the previous ones have been. This is to do with Cambree and Max. I have found some OMG moments in this section as I wasn't clued in to what would happen. You have to understand the family and the outsiders in this dysfunctional book. I loved what happens to make a compassionate person like Cambree want to take on bad boy Max (they have history ;-) ). But boy do sparks fly when the rest of the sisters get involved in stuff.

Can't wait to read the final installment of this saga.

Not Leaving (Parker Siblings #2) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Addison Parker has loved one boy all her life, Tyler James. She met him the first day of school after moving to Tennessee to live with her grandparents. Through death, raising her younger siblings, betrayal, and heartbreak, he has been there. She has forgiven him for many things, but this time when he leaves, she decides he is not her future anymore. 

Tyler James loves Addison Parker. He has made mistakes, but his love is always constant. He wants to be with her, but through lies and misunderstandings it doesn’t seem possible anymore. When a single moment changes his future, will he be able to come back and pick up the pieces of their relationship, or did he finally break all of her faith in him? 
**Due to strong language and sexual content this book is not suitable for under the age of 18***

I just want to start by thanking the author for allowing me to read these wonderful and lovely books she has written.

The next installment in the Parker Siblings saga brings us Addison and Tyler. A couple who in the previous book was looking tight knit and nothing could break them. THEN we find out Addison was pregnant and Tyler walked away (OMG). My heart broke for Addison and Tyler due to what had happened to Tyler in the previous book (won't give it away if you've not read book 1 lol). You also see more of the characters from book 1 and what else happens in their lives.

I've loved these 2 books so far and the way all lives are entangling with each other. You even find a few surprises along the way with other characters. Praise for Ms Lunsford and her team.

Not Enough (Parker Siblings #1) by Leigh Ann Lunsford

Brielle Parker has her life in front of her; she just does not know how to live it. After years of not being enough for her parents, or the dreams she once had, how did one man Colby James show her she was actually more than enough?

Raised by her grandparents with her three siblings, Brielle was loved, no doubt. However, her grandparents were taken too soon, and she was left with her older sibling to try to raise her younger ones. She couldn’t help but let the doubts take over her life. Would she ever be enough? Then Colby walked in and changed everything, and just when she was facing her fears and falling in love for the first time, Colby ripped her heart out. 

Will they be able to get past their mistakes to live the life they both want? Did Colby finally break Brielle when all he wanted to do was protect and love her? You can rebound from some mistakes, but some you just have to learn from and walk away. The love they have is true and pure, but will they finally be enough for each other?

I would like to thank the author for letting me read her books. I originally borrowed this from Kindle Unlimited, but have since got the whole series to read. 

When I first picked up the book I was immediately hooked with the story and the way Brielle was with her family. Then you add Colby and boy do sparks fly when these two hook up. I loved the fierceness of Brielle and the compassion Colby has once her finds out stuff about Brielle.

I can't wait to read more of Leigh Ann Lunsford books in the future as she writes with such passion and knowledge of these characters.

The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene

At a car boot sale in Sussex, three very different women meet and fall for the same vintage teaset. They decide to share it - and form a friendship that changes their lives . . .

Jenny can't wait to marry Dan. Then, after years of silence, she hears from the woman who could shatter her dreams.

Maggie has put her broken heart behind her and is gearing up for the biggest event of her career - until she's forced to confront the past once more.

Alison seems to have it all: married to her childhood sweetheart, with two gorgeous daughters. But as tensions mount, she is pushed to breaking point.

Dealing with friendship and families, relationships and careers, highs and lows, The Vintage Teacup Club is heart-warming storytelling at its very best.

I've had this for a while and I thought it would be a nice read/audio before I settle into some crime/thrillers. Well I can honestly say that I couldn't connect with the characters. I'm sorry if others enjoyed the book, I carried on with the book to halfway and wasn't really interested in their lives or the Vintage teaset to be honest.

Hide and Seek by P.S. Brown

#1 Kindle bestseller - Psychological Thriller

An unforeseen school reunion sparked by the death of a childhood friend quickly turns into a living nightmare for Peter Stevenson.

Waking the day after, he finds his friends missing, his possessions gone, and himself placed at the centre of a twisted game of hide and seek.

As the day unfolds, Peter is forced to relive his past in order to find and save his friends. And as the cruel challenge against the clock unfolds, he has to come to terms with the fact that any one of his friends could be the mastermind behind the sinister game.

I have had this book for quite a while and been forgetting to read it. I’ve been listening to the audio version over the past couple of days.

It’s about a group of 8 people who grew up together and someone is killing them one by one. But ONLY 1 of the 8 could be the killer OR could they? No one knows who is telling the truth and who is lying.

All will be revealed when you read the scary and page turning Hide & Seek.

A Very Coco Christmas: A Coco Pinchard Christmas novella (Coco Pinchard 0.5) by Robert Bryndza

It’s 1985, and eighteen-year-old Coco is home in London for Christmas after her first term at Aberystwyth University. She has started to write, and fallen hopelessly in love with Daniel Pinchard, a devilishly handsome musician from the wrong side of the river. 

But Coco’s overbearing mother has other plans and resumes her campaign for Coco to meet and marry the ‘right sort of man’, preferably Kenneth, son of her best friends Adrian and Yvonne Rosebury, who will be joining them for Christmas. 

As snow falls softly over the city, and Coco tries to juggle a series of hilarious events, the stage is set for a Christmas lunch like no other. 

A Very Coco Christmas is a delicious, stand-alone prequel to the smash-hit Coco Pinchard series, with a glorious cast of characters including Daniel’s mother Ethel, sister Meryl – and a turkey called Jean Paul Belmondo...

I got this from Amazon and it's a delightful little novella to read.

This introduces us to Coco, Daniel, Ethel, Meryl and Chris. It's Christmas and with all the shenanigans going on in a family. Where 2 families meet and then something pops up - namely a turkey called Jean Paul Belmondo (what a hoot of a name for a turkey).

I read this quickly as it was a short book and loved the characters especially Coco's mum lol.

The Broken by Tamar Cohen

Best friends tell you everything; about their kitchen renovation; about their little girl's schooling. How one of them is leaving the other for a younger model.

Best friends don't tell lies. They don't take up residence on your couch for weeks. They don't call lawyers. They don't make you choose sides.

Best friends don't keep secrets about their past. They don't put you in danger.

Best friends don't always stay best friends. 

I would like to thank Netgalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read this.

This has taken me so long to read it as I could strangle the main characters. I detested them as I felt they was going on and not seeing what was in front of them most of the time. The ending was a surprise and now I understand why this Eloise/Lucie person was being written.

I will definitely read more from Tamar Cohen in the future.