Book Review: 13 Minutes by Sarah Pinborough @Flatironbooks @RaincoastBooks @SarahPinborough #13Minutes #bookreview #bookblog #bookblogger #booksonthebookshelf #partner #bookreviewer

PUBLISHER: Flatiron Books

PUBLICATION DATE: August 28th, 2018

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Thank you to the Publisher, Flatiron Books and Raincoast Books, for gifting me a paperback copy of this book to read and review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Natasha doesn’t remember how she ended up in the icy water that night, but she does know this–it wasn’t an accident, and she wasn’t suicidal. Her two closest friends are acting strangely, and Natasha turns to Becca, the best friend she dumped years before when she got popular, to help her figure out what happened.

Natasha’s sure that her friends love her. But does that mean they didn’t try to kill her?

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MY REVIEW:

This story sucked me in from the very beginning. I loved the Mean Girls vibe to the story, and Natasha and her two best friends definitely seemed to be mean girls. Natasha was pulled from the water one day after being discovered by a man walking his dog. She was in the water for 13 minutes but she has no idea what happened to her. How did she end up in the water? Did someone push her? Are her best friends somehow involved?

As we read the story we get glimpses into what happened that night, as well as the different dynamics that make up all the friendships Natasha has with her friends. Her current two best friends, Jenny and Hayley, seem to be hiding a secret but what could that be? Do they have the answers to that fateful night?

Natasha and Rebecca used to be best friends. They did everything together and were inseparable, that is until Natasha became popular and she more or less dumped Rebecca for Jenny and Hayley.

This books brings to light the current social media buzz in today’s society and the bullying that many people face. Not everything is as it appears to be, and everyone seems to be hiding secrets of their own. When those closest to you are hiding secrets, who do you trust?

A great book that I enjoyed to the very end. This wasn’t my first book I have read by Pinborough and it won’t be my last. Check the book out if you haven’t read it already.

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MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Book Review: The Surrogate by Louise Jensen @Fab_fiction @GrandCentralPub @HBGCanada #TheSurrogate #LouiseJensen #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger

PUBLISHER: Grand Central Publishing 

PUBLICATION DATE: December 4th, 2018

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Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Book Group Canada for gifting me a beautiful paperback copy of this book to read and share my review. This cover is stunning and goes so very well with the story. I love it. I have read many books by Louise Jensen and I was thrilled to receive a copy of this book. Her books do not disappoint and I love them all – this book was no exception.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

“You know that feeling? When you want something so badly, you almost feel you’d kill for it?”

Be careful what you wish for…

Kat and her husband Nick have tried everything to become parents, and are on the point of giving up. Then a chance encounter with Kat’s childhood friend Lisa gives Kat and Nick one last chance to achieve their dream. 

But Kat and Lisa’s history hides dark secrets. 

And there is more to Lisa than meets the eye. 

As dangerous cracks start to appear in Kat’s perfect picture of happily-ever-after, she realises that she must face her fear of the past to save her family…

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MY REVIEW:

This book…wow! Such an edge of your seat thriller, especially near the end when we learn about all the secrets and everything is exposed! So much lies, deceit and betrayal. I found myself literally turning the pages to see what would unfold next.

Kat and Lisa have quite a past together. The very best of friends, as close as two friends can get, only to go their separate ways and not talk for 10 years. Something big must have happened to separate the two, but what?!

We slowly learn what happened between Kat and Lisa all those years ago and the events that led up to the beginning of the end of their friendship as they knew it. Not only are Kat and Lisa keeping secrets from one another, but Kat and her husband Nick are keeping secrets from one another as well.

Both Kat and her husband Nick have troubled pasts and have had difficult upbringings with their parents, but neither wants to talk about it even though they have been together for many years. What could have been so bad in their past that they don’t want to talk about it and share with one another? As the chapters go on we get glimpses into each of their pasts.

I enjoyed reading into their pasts as it gives us a better understanding of what made them into the adults they are today. We learn what they went through as children, how they were raised and understand what their life was really like growing up. It helps us to better understand them as adults and how their experiences in their childhood has shaped them into what they are today.

The chapters alternate between “Now” and “Then”. Parts of the “then” chapters are from Nick’s point of view and parts are from Kat’s point of view.

Strange, questionable things happen in Kat’s and Nick’s marriage that makes Kat question her marriage and her husband. She thinks Nick is hiding something from her, but what could it be?

Without giving too much away I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the dynamics of their marriage and reading about Kat and Lisa’s friendship and learning what went wrong ago those years ago.

A great edge-of-your-seat thriller of a book with plenty of lies and shocking twists that will rock you and leave you wanting more!

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MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Book Review: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton @MinotaurBooks @RaincoastBooks @AuthorSJBolton #TheCraftsman #bookreview #bookblog #bookreviewer #bookblogger #partner

PUBLISHER: Minotaur Books

PUBLICATION DATE: October 16th, 2018

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Thank you to Minotaur Books and Raincoast Books for gifting me a beautiful hardcover copy of The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton to read and share my review. This was the first book by Sharon Bolton that I have read and after reading so many wonderful reviews on her books recently on social media I was thrilled to have received a copy of this book to read and review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Florence Lovelady’s career was made when she convicted coffin-maker Larry Grassbrook of a series of child murders 30 years ago in a small village in Lancashire. Like something out of a nightmare, the victims were buried alive. Florence was able to solve the mystery and get a confession out of Larry before more children were murdered., and he spent the rest of his life in prison.

But now, decades later, he’s dead, and events from the past start to repeat themselves. Is someone copying the original murders? Or did she get it wrong all those years ago? When her own son goes missing under similar circumstances, the case not only gets reopened… it gets personal.

In master of suspense Sharon Bolton’s latest thriller, readers will find a page-turner to confirm their deepest fears and the only protagonist who can face them.

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MY REVIEW:

This book is written in different parts:

Part I takes place in 1999 and is written from the point of view of Assistant Commissioner Florence (Flo) Lovelady. The Craftsman begins at the location of a funeral for a man named Frank. There are very few people at Frank’s funeral to mourn his passing, and the majority that are there are actually there to witness the fact that he has passed on and is being buried. One by one people walk up to his casket and spit onto the casket…There are no tears…there are no flowers…. Why would people want to spit on Frank’s casket? How could these people be so heartless and cruel?

Florence Lovelady lived in the house owned by Frank years ago, where she was a border in his family home along with a few other borders. At the time she was living there, 3 teenagers had gone missing and were feared to have been buried alive…only to have been discovered too late.

Part II takes place in 1969 when Florence was a border in Frank’s family home. We learn more about the 3 teenagers that suddenly disappeared without a trace and the search for their whereabouts. Strange things happen in this part, not only the disappearances of the teenagers but also talk about witch spells, magic and dark sinister events at play.

Part III jumps back to 1999 again and Florence continuing to uncover what truly happened all those years ago and the disappearances of the 3 teenagers. Slowly we being to get answers about what truly happened all those years ago and get closure to the story.

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved how each chapter was short. The book was thrilling, chilling, creepy and gave me the chills at certain points. I loved how the writing pulls you in and has you flipping pages to see what you would find out next. I found this book to be a very addictive read and I was reading late into the night, not wanting to put this book down. And with all the short chapters, I found myself frequently saying “Ok…just one more chapter”.

I loved the main characters personality. Florence was a no BS character who was determined to do what she thought was right, even if it got her into trouble with her superiors. If she felt she had to dig deeper into a case and uncover the truth, or had a hunch about something, she would not back down and would follow up on it despite the consequences. She was a badass and I loved watching her character unfold and develop in the story.

There were several parts in the book that I did not see coming at all. I had develop several theories and ideas of what had happened and where the story was going, only to be wrong time and time again. It had me on the edge of my seat and had me guessing every step of the way and I loved that!

I am definitely a Bolton fan and I look forward to reading her other books. A definite must read and recommended book!

Thank you for reading my review and I hope you love this book as much as I did. #TellItToTheBees

I would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read this book, or if it is on your TBR.

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MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Blog Tour & Book Review: The Memory by Lucy Dawson @bookouture @lucydawsonbooks #TheMemory #blogtour #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblogger

 

PUBLISHER: Bookouture

PUBLICATION DATE: December 6th, 2018

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Hi there and welcome to my stop on The Memory Blog Tour with Bookouture. Thank you to Kim Nash at Bookouture for inviting me to be a part of this exciting Blog Tour and to Netgalley for the eARC copy of this book to read and review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

I look down at her, lying fast asleep – always my little girl, and so beautiful. She gives a low moan as her head turns restlessly on the pillow. It reminds me of the soft growl of a cornered animal. Where is my poor child? What is she dreaming?

People always notice my daughter, Isobel. How could they not? Incredibly beautiful… until she speaks.

An unsettling, little-girl voice, exactly like a child’s, but from the mouth of a full-grown woman.

Izzie might look grown-up, but inside she’s trapped. Caught in the day it happened – the day that broke her from within.

I know why my daughter is the way she is. There’s nothing I could have done to save her… is there?

An unputdownable psychological thriller about families and secrets, perfect for fans of Gone Girl, Shalini Boland and Lisa Jewell.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’ve been writing psychological suspense novels since 2008, when my first bestseller – His Other Lover – was published. I write full time (mostly on the playroom sofa) from my home in Devon, where I live with my husband and children. Before that, I used to edit a magazine for six to twelve year old girls for a living, making absolutely no use whatsoever of my psychology degree from Warwick University, but it was a lot of fun. 

I’m addicted to writing about the extraordinary things that can happen to ordinary people – stories that jump in at the deep end, with a gasp. When readers take the time out to let me know they’ve stayed up all night because they couldn’t put the book down, it makes my day. 

I really enjoy catching up with readers and always reply to emails. You can reach me at lucy@lucydawsonbooks.com. I’m also on Twitter @lucydawsonbooks and have a Facebook page at lucydawsonbooks. Alternatively you can download a free short story of mine at www.lucydawsonbooks.com or if you want to look at a lot of pictures of the beach and books that I’m reading, find me on Instagram at lucydawsonbooks.

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MY REVIEW:

This was the first book I have read by Lucy Dawson. After reading the description of this book I was excited when I joined the Blog Tour for this book as it sounded like the type of psychological thriller books that I love to read. I was right.

The Memory is an addictive thriller of a book from the very beginning and I found myself flying through the chapters to see what would happen next. I was hooked from the very beginning of this book and I enjoyed reading about the various characters that we are introduced to throughout the story.

The story is told in two different timelines by two different points of view. The book starts off from Eve’s point of view. She takes her daughter Isobel to a martial arts class and something dramatic happens that leaves everyone there scarred with awful memories of that tragic, awful day. Isobel is never quite the same afterwards. Fast forward about 30 years later and we are introduced to a woman named Claire, and her family. They move into the home that Claire and Isobel shared. 

Strange things happen, that are dark and creepy, and you are left to wonder if these things are actually happening or are they imagining it. A great story that was a pleasure to read through to the end.

I look forward to reading more books by Lucy Dawson.

Thanks for stopping by on my stop for the blog tour, and I hope you enjoyed reading my review.

If you would like to check out other stops on the blog tour, check out all the stops below.

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MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Book Review: Killing the Unicorn by Lizella Prescott @LizellaPrescott #KillingtheUnicorn #bookreview #bookblog #bookblogger #bookreviewer

PUBLICATION DATE: August 13th, 2018

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Thank you to the author, Lizella Prescott, for contacting me about your book and for gifting me an eARC copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.

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** CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Blog | Website | Twitter

** BUY THE BOOK:

Amazon

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SYNOPSIS:

He was the father of my adorable, two-year-old twins, and he still wanted me, with all my lumps and flaws. I should have melted into him. I should have longed to be vulnerable and intimate and seen.

And yet I felt nothing but a bone-deep exhaustion…

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A COMPLICATED MARRIAGE 

Since having twin daughters, Helen has lost her waistline, her libido, and her edge. Mann, her wealthy, high-flying husband, has tried to be patient. But he needs more than she can give. A lot more. 

When he asks to open their marriage, Helen agrees. She would rather bend than risk a high-stakes divorce.

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A DANGEROUS OBSESSION

When Mann connects with Julia, Helen is relieved. At first. She likes Julia, a gentle woman with a tragic past. But her husband is moving fast. Too fast. And a series of odd events unnerves Helen and makes her wonder if Julia is lying about her past…or worse.

As Mann falls deeper into love, Helen becomes obsessed with Julia even as she questions herself. To protect her children and her sanity, Helen must discover the truth: is Julia a danger to her family, or is she?

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MY REVIEW:

Addictive, chilling, gripping read! This book is full of lies, secrets, deceit, betrayal, and bone-chilling twists. This book has it all! Wow!

From the beginning of the book I found myself deeply immersed in the story and it was such an addictive read that it was very difficult to put down. I devoured this book and flew through it as I page after page.

Imagine being Helen – a married mother of two young children, and feeling lumpy and full of flaws. She doesn’t feel sexy or attractive and doesn’t have it in her to give her husband the intimacy he wants..the intimacy he needs. So agreeing to have an open marriage, she agrees for Mann to begin seeing other women to fulfill his needs.

Helen experiences many different emotions once Mann begins seeing another woman named Julia. They seem to be falling head over heels in love and Helen thinks they are moving way too fast. She experiences doubt about her decision to open her marriage and share her husband, conflicting emotions on whether she is doing the right thing or not, jealousy of watching her husband with other women and watching them kiss and cuddle, among other things.

Helen was an interesting character to read about. She definitely had her flaws, as did all the other characters in the book, but it was interesting to read all the same. Mann seemed to be a great husband and father to his children. He was caring, attentive, and thoughtful of his family.

I enjoyed reading all of the shocking secrets, twists and turns in the book. It was entertaining and addictive to read, and I was curious to see how it would all play out. There were definitely many shocking moments in the book where I was wanting to see what would happen next, especially when Helen begins to doubt Julia and her past. I couldn’t wait to find out if Julia was a threat to the family or not as Helen suspected. Was Helen going crazy herself? or did she have every right to question Julia and her motives?

I definitely did not see the shocking ending come out the way that it did at the end of the book. I loved that twist because for me it was completely unexpected!

Great job Lizella! A very addictive psychological thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Thank you for reaching out to me about your book. I look forward to reading more titles by this author in the future!

Happy reading and I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

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MY RATING: 5/5 stars

 

Book Review: Fractured by Olivia Flaggert #Fractured #OliviaFlaggert #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger

PUBLICATION DATE: September 14th, 2018

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Thank you to the author, Olivia Flaggert, for gifting me a beautiful paperback copy of Fractured to read and review. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.

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SYNOPSIS:

He’s the perfect catch…charming, affluent, intelligent. On the surface, it appears like every woman desires to be with him. How could they resist? 

Lenny Jameson, a successful physician, has a way of alluring almost every woman. As his clinic partner, Dr. Amanda Hemingway can’t avoid his mysterious, and captivating charm—but why would she? Since the day Lenny entered her life, he’s all she ever wanted, and she isn’t one to back down from her desires so easily. 

Emma Johnson is a vibrant hopeful young woman doing her best to tackle adult responsibilities and recover from a breakup with Kyle, her first lover, and boyfriend. However, after continual setbacks, it feels as if she’s going nowhere—until Lenny enters her life. 

For Emma, it seems as if things couldn’t get any better, now that she’s dating her charming new boyfriend, Lenny. However, things take a quick turn the night someone close to her is murdered. As the clues start to unfold, it soon becomes evident that those whom she thought could be trusted, may not be so trustworthy after all. How far will one go for love in this heart-shattering story? 

Love can be so blind in this story of obsession, lies, and betrayal. And not everything is what it seems in this gripping psychological thriller. 

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MY REVIEW:

This book was a very addictive read from the very beginning. Who doesn’t love a good psychological thriller.. throw in a twisted love story that quickly goes wrong, with shocking lies, betrayal and deceit.

I was so happy for Emma when she seemed to meet the man of her dreams. Dr. Lenny Jameson was the perfect man. He was successful, extremely good looking, charming, thoughtful, attentive. He was everything Emma wanted and she fell in love. After having a difficult breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Emma was finding it difficult to move on with her life. That was until she met Dr. Jameson.

They have a whirlwind romance, and things are going great, until things begin to happen that makes Emma doubt things and those she loves. Someone she loves is murdered. Who can she trust? Things aren’t as they seem, and she is unsure who she can turn to and who she can rely on.

I enjoyed the writing style of this book. It was written in a way to keep the reader interested, and had so many twists and turns, and shocking secrets revealed, to keep you addicted and wanting to read more.

I devoured this book right through to the end. A great psychological thriller that I recommend for anyone who loves thrillers!

Hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did.

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MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Book Review: Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent @lizzienugent @ScoutPressBooks @GalleryBooks @SimonSchusterCA #LyinginWait #bookreview #bookblog #bookreviewer #bookblogger

PUBLISHER: Gallery/Scout Press

PUBLICATION DATE: June 12th, 2018

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Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for gifting me a beautiful paperback copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are in no way influenced.

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SYNOPSIS:

My husband did not mean to kill Annie Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it.

On the surface, Lydia Fitzsimons has the perfect life—wife of a respected, successful judge, mother to a beloved son, mistress of a beautiful house in Dublin. That beautiful house, however, holds a secret. And when Lydia’s son, Laurence, discovers its secret, wheels are set in motion that lead to an increasingly claustrophobic and devastatingly dark climax.

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MY REVIEW:

Secrets, lies, betrayal and deception! This book has it all!! Oh the lies and betrayal! How many secrets can one family have? Lying in Wait is such an addicting book to read. With a catching first line in the synopsis – My husband did not mean to kill Annie Doyle, but the lying tramp deserved it – how can you not be interested in reading this book!? That line in itself intrigued me!

There are so many lies and secrets going on and new revelations being uncovered that you cannot help yourself but become immersed in the story and the pages literally turn themselves.

I found myself not wanting to put this book down. I love a good book that keeps you guessing until the very twisted end, and this book was perfect! The ending I did not see coming at all. I had a feeling the ending would be a great twist, but I definitely was not expecting this!

Lydia Fitzsimons is clearly a delusional, troubled woman with a tragic and dark past that she keeps hidden from many people, especially from her husband and her son. She was absolutely nuts, and although she had her issues she did a great job at hiding most of it from her family. She was literally obsessed with her son to the point it being very unhealthy. Laurence was a mommas boy, which is fine, but his mother was too obsessed with him and tried to control him too much.

Overall I loved this book and devoured every chapter. I definitely recommend this book, it was a very addicting and fantastic read and I am sure you will not be disappointed!

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MY RATING: 5/5 stars