The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 426

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Beckett,

If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have.

I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.

And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.

So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.

Please don’t make her go through it alone.

Ryan


My Review

So I seen this one all over book tok and obviously I had FOMO (fear of missing out) and had to buy it. That and most of the videos/reviews were saying the book had them in tears and heartbroken, challenge accepted. I normally had a swinging brick but recently gal has had the emotionals so it is the perfect time to find out what I was missing. The book starts with a letter, yes letter format from Ella to Choas and it has the letter number (this is good because they aren't all in order). It is super easy to follow as it has the chapter/persons pov and then who the letter is from and to. Once you read the letter the person it is written to it is their surroundings and what is happening from when they put the letter down. So we get to hear from Ella in letter and meet Chaos, her brothers pal she agreed to write to. She is strong, stubborn, living in a small town with two twins she had to raise alone because the father (trust fund baby) is a complete rat! Then we get a reply letter to Ella from Chaos and then meet her and her life. Oh and we meet Chaos dog, a working dog cos he is special ops, the dog is called Havoc and we LOVE HER.

So when you read the blurb you know Ella's brother basically tells Beckett he needs to do what he can't and go look after his sister. She will be against it as she is fiercely independent but also been hurt and abandoned and or let down by the men in her life so no easy feat. Beckett didn't immediately go causing a bit of an issue and makes a huge mistake because the one thing Ella can't and won't stand for is lies, even if it comes from kindness. Beckett comes to town and regardless of what Ella says she will be there for her. Oh did I mention Beckett is also hot, mysterious, brooding and a good guy. When one of the weans becomes unwell Beckett steps up to help and together they all try to get through some of the most trying times. Strap in folks, it is an emotive rollercoaster.

So we don't do spoiler reviews and it can be a bit difficult to review without giving stuff away. So let me say this, I knew folk said it was sad, wrecked them but I went into it like, well page 4 we met the dog and I was like NOTHING BETTER HAPPEN TO THE DOG! Yes I am one of them lol. There were a few minutes when I had a lump in my throat but overall, 3 quarters through I was like yeah I am fine, sad but no tears. Then it was like the author said here hold my pint, she gripped my heart and then ripped my heart. I was up til 6am reading it to finish. I was telling my o/h about it, he really doesn't care for my nonsense and I got teary and emotional just telling it again lmao. Well played Yarros, well played, 5/5 I thought I knew it all when I was in fact Jon Snow and I knew nothing and then emotional damage. Get your munchies, tissues and a blanket or thick cardigan to wrap yourself in cos you are going to need them!

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Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody

Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 3 days

Pages - 416

Publisher - Electric monkey

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads


When seventeen-year-old Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of her school's ice hockey team, she vows to never date a jock again. But, in an attempt to prove she's moved on, she turns to the most unlikely person—her ex's biggest rival, the notorious captain of the Ransom Devils.

Reed Darling is gorgeous, mysterious and intimidating, both on and off the ice. Wild rumors constantly circulate about him, and the only thing people love to talk about more than his hockey skills are his exploits as a ruthless heartbreaker and bad boy. Who better to serve as Violet's fake boyfriend until her ex gets the message, right?

But despite the intense rivalry between their two schools and Reed's infamous reputation, Violet soon starts to wonder if there's more to him than the gossip suggests. And while she tries her best to control their 'relationship' with a list of strict guidelines, Reed has other ideas. He's set his sights on winning her over and is determined to show Violet he's not the guy everyone thinks he is.

She should have known better than to make a deal with a devil because this one is going to break all her rules.

Rival Darling is a YA hockey rom-com with a HEA and no cliffhanger and the first in the Darling Devils series.


My Review

Hey so this is my first dance with this author. Young adult isn't a genre I pick up too much, I don't ow why because the ones I have read I have liked. I got book two sent for review so bought this one to read first, absolutely can be a standalone to be fair. Violet is living in a small town with her uncle whilst her mum pursues her career again! Let down by her boyfriend, super spoiled, head of the school ice hockey team, comes from money and cocky as she finds herself stranded and at the mercy of bad boy Reed Darling she reluctantly accepts his help. He is captain of the rival ice hockey team, his history and reputation is everything she hates about Jocks, more so now her boyfriend has betrayed her. She vows never again but needs to keep the ex off her case so enters into a fake relationship with Reed, she will keep the ex at bay and he can keep all the puck bunnies away and focus on his game. The only problem is Reed really likes Violet and knows she isn't interested in another sports guy, by doing this he can get closer.

This could have been a college set book and sometimes reading it I completely forgot they were high school, the parties, the ice hockey (we don't have that in schools here). The way the rivalry between the teams/sides of town. Violet is sweet but girl some of the stuff she does, but I get wanting to fit in and really missing her mum who always promises to call and consistently lets her down. She, the mother has a lot to answer for! The issues she has with dating a sports guy, also comes from past/parents and typical when she breaks that rule her boyfriend is a total rat.

It is a good wee reality break, poolside read if you will, I really liked the family bonds with the Darlings. His mum and dad should have their own books, they seem like really nice people, it makes you wonder how so many of the rumours got so easily swallowed in the town. Like Reed, fair enough but the truths that come out vs lies, how you manage to keep anything private in a small town is almost non existent but rumours are also rife and easily accepted in small towns.

The story is very cutesy, fake romance but they both clearly like each other, very cute to see developing, a few irritations but they are teens so totally normal, 4/5 for me. Nice we dip from adult reality and book two at the ready which I believe will be centred around Reed's brother and the object of his affections.

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Kitty's War by Eimear Lawlor Blog Tour

Today is my stop for the blog tour for "Kitty's War" by Eimear Lawlor, for my stop I have my review, enjoy. This is a Rachels Random Resources tour. Buy link for the book from Amazon UK.

About the author:

Eimear Lawlor was born in Co. Cavan and now lives in city of Kilkenny with her husband John and two sons. Unfortunately, her middle child Ciara passed away in 2016, who was the inspiration of her writing career. Her debut novel Dublin's Girl was an Irish Times bestseller and was inspired by the true story of her aunt, who worked with Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera as their private secretary.

Kitty's War by Eimear Lawlor


Time taken to read - in and out over 6 days

Pages - 317

Publisher - Head of Zeus

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

Kilkenny, 1939. Ireland might be neutral, but Kitty Flynn is caught in her own war. Forced to give up her child at seventeen, she escaped to London in search of a fresh start.

However, in 1941, upon hearing that her brother, Anthony, who had been injured during the Spanish Civil War, is now gravely ill, Kitty must return home to care for him. In a time where food and medicine are scarce, Kitty is relieved to secure a nursing job – that is, until G2, the Irish Intelligence notices her proficiency in German…

G2 are determined to use Kitty's translation skills to extract information from the German internees at The Curragh Military Camp, even using Anthony as leverage.

Before she knows it, Kitty finds herself in the treacherous world of espionage. And soon Kitty must will she sacrifice herself to save her brother?

Inspired by real life events Kitty's War is the new sweeping historical novel by the bestselling author of Dublin's Girl, Eimear Lawlor.


My Review

So Kitty is our main character, living in London after fleeing for a fresh start, unwed and forced to give up her baby - it is 1939, Ireland. Her plan is a new life and with her friend they both are going into healthcare. When Kitty has to go home due to a bereavement she finds her brother in trouble, now it is just the two of them they need to stick together. Kitty will do whatever it takes to save her brother, from illness, from authorities even from himself.

Poor Kitty, travelling whilst a war and bombs are going on, getting caught up in all kinds of dodgy situations and everything comes back to saving her brother. She risks just about everything for him, they had a turbulent childhood, often depending on each other and now as adults he needs her more than ever.

I kinda wish I hadn't read the blurb because it goes on about Kitty being caught up in espionage which doesn't come until later, much later. I thought the book was going to be thick of war/espionage and whilst war and threat is peppered throughout this is really all about Kitty. She has constant inner battles, putting herself in some really dodgy situations all in desperation of doing what is right for her brother.

The whole war/Ireland part was really interesting, I know not a lot about the wars so I fond myself having to put the book down and reading up XYZ. I love when books make me do that. There are some dodgy characters and Kitty had me frustrated at times but again it was all through the love and devotion she had to her brother. The book also deals with issues relevant to the time period, babies out of wedlock and being hidden away as a result, the impacts that kind of loss has. Her mother 's treatment and her ideals/memories of her father.

The book has huge threads of family weaved throughout, dodgy morals, sexuality, family, friendship, accusations of espionage, mistrust of anyone seemingly linked to or sympathising with Germans/IRA or a parent being German. There is a lot going on and I wasn't sure where it was all headed, I do enjoy a book that keeps you guessing. Touching in places, some bits she had me ripping my knittin and some emotive scenes. This is my first by this author, I would absolutely read her again.

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Secrets Of The Toffee Factory Girls by Glenda Young

Secrets of the Toffee Factory Girls: The second in a heartwarming wartime trilogy about secrets, friendship, love and toffee . . . by Glenda Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 328

Publisher - Headline

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

As the Great War rages, Jack's toffee factory in the market town of Chester-le-Street, Durham, is threatened with closure when sugar rations begin.

Anne, who works for the owner Mr Jack, must choose between her heart and her head when Mr Jack declares his love for her. Not only might he have to sell the toffee factory if he breaks off his previous engagement, but he can never know the secret that Anne carries.

Elsie is forced to keep a secret when she risks her safety as well as her reputation in order to make ends meet.
And, for Hetty, a long-hidden family secret surfaces, threatening to tear Hetty's family apart. Her future with Dirk feels more fragile than ever.

Together the three toffee factory girls share laughter, sorrow and secrets, and support one another through the challenges ahead.


My Review

Book two of a trilogy (book one is The Toffee Factory Girls) - I absolutely recommend reading book 1 because it is good and you get your intro and back story to the characters. We mostly follow the three main who happen to be colleagues and friends, Hetty , Elsie and Anne. They came together and forged a friendship in book 1 and had many a drama there.

So where are we at now? Hetty, poor Hetty has never had it easy with her mother, she can be quite vicious and this book we finally get some insight into why the mother behaves as she does. Hetty we see a bit of a dramatic change in Hetty and she gets into scrapes along the way, some I found myself irritated noooooo, don't do that, why are you doing that? She finds herself in some dangerous and shocking scenarios. Anne, there has always been something between her and the boss, now with feelings being made clear Anne finds that not everyone is happy about it and it isn't just the effects of war causing issues.

We see the pressures and strains with the war, rationing not just on the families and money issues but of course the factory. With sugar rationing it puts the factories future in danger, jobs and that of course has huge impact of all the workers.

A lot of drama, issues, some violence and threats, relationships, family, secrets ooft a mixed bag. Whilst some attitudes and actions raise temper and emotions it is a book I easily found myself immersing in, 4/5 for me and I am very much looking forward to book 3.

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Anarchy by Megan DeVos

Anarchy by Megan DeVos
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 396

Publisher - Orion books

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads


The world is different now. There are no rules, no governments and no guarantees that you will be saved . . .Rival factions have taken over, fighting each other for survival with no loyalty to anyone but their own. At twenty-one, Hayden has taken over Blackwing and is one of the youngest leaders in the area. In protecting his camp from starvation, raids from other actions and the threat of being kidnapped, he has enough to worry about before he finds Grace. The daughter of the head of the rival camp, Greystone, Grace is slow to trust anyone-much less the leader of those she has been trained to kill . . .This is danger. This is chaos. This is anarchy . . .


My Review

A bit The Walking Dead (minus zombies) with a vibe of Romeo and Juliet. So the world is toast and we have small communities of survivors that have their own place (hence the Walking Dead vibes, Alexandria, The Governors place etc). To survive they raid the other communities and head into town, they do what they need to. When Hayden is caught raiding Greystone, instead of being shot on the spot his and anothers life is spared by Grace. Hayden has principles and loyalty so when he sees the chance to repay the favour he saves Grace. She can never go home and must stay in Blackwing. This follows their time in the before, how they meet and everything that follows after.

So natural enemies, teens, natural draw to each other you get the picture. Hayden is the leader of Blackwing so very selfless and aloof. Grace needs to stay with him as she is the natural enemy so not safe in Blackwing but can't be allowed to go home. Forced proximity, readjustment and we get glimpses of the before the world came to be like this.

One thing I noticed was a lot of breath mentioned, took a breath in, let a breath out, inhaled a sharp breath. I didn't count but it was more than a few times and I noticed it, meh! A bit Romeo and Juliette, limited resources, danger coming from just about every field. Survivalism, mixed emotions, danger on almost every corner, 3/5 for me. It is book one so will see how we go.

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The Girl With The Suitcase by Lesley Pearse

The Girl with the Suitcase: A captivating historical novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author by Lesley Pearse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 391

Publisher - Michael Joseph

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author is available to PRE-ORDER now!

London, 1941

When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.

But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.

This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.

Will she take it and what could go wrong?



My Review

Mary has known poverty and cruelty her whole life, it is wartime and she is desperate to escape her job as housekeeper, cleaner and general dogsbody. When she meets the beautiful Elizabeth who offers her a chance at a new life, she has just came into a fabulous house in Ireland, inheritance from an estranged aunt. A bomb hits, the girls are in an underground shelter when everything goes dark. Mary wakes injured but alive, she is misidentified and finally has a chance to live, really live but can she do it?

Aw Mary, what a poor soul and hard going "upbringing" she had. We find out more about Mary and why she is the way she is by going from present to past. As always Pearse's books feature some of the darker side of humanity, abuse, SA, child endangerment, substance abuse, stolen identity. You get reeled in because you are rooting for Mary aka Beth but you do question some of her decisions and behaviours. I think that is one of her gifts, she gives you characters who aren't wholly whiter than white (Mary), and some downright horror bags the "stepfather".

When Mary goes to Ireland we meet a whole cast of people, sweet, nosey, hearing about the aunt, ooft she was a character in herself. We see how world war 2 affected different parts of the world, meat rationing, families, love, loss. It is a busy book as is Pearse's way but she does it so well the story flows and envelopes you. Lots of characters/happenings, some time and place jumps but all done effortlessly.

Even when I have a reading block I can still inhale one of her books, 4.5/5 from us, I need to check her backlist and see what I have missed (we have read loads but she has published loads) and catch up on any missed. She is a fab writer, pulls you emotively and allows you to escape your own life and merge into a world full of love, loss, sadness, friendship, family, she ticks the boxes.

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Alien Invasion The Rage War #2 by Tim Lebbon

Alien: Invasion by Tim Lebbon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 319

Publisher - Titan books

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

For centuries Weyland-Yutani has tried to weaponize the aliens. Now someone has beaten them to it, sweeping through Yautja space and turning predator into prey.Faced with the overwhelming forces of the Rage, Earth envoys forge an unprecedented alliance with the Predators. Yet even the combined might of two races may not be enough to stop the carnage, as an unstoppable swarm of Xenomorphs topples planet after planet, penetrating ever deeper into the Human Sphere.


My Review

This is book two but you can absolutely read it as a standalone! Predators and humans, marines and a synthetic are joining forces to face the ultimate threat. Aliens have always been sought after by the company because of their value as a weapon, well someone has beat them to it. Not only have they honed it to weaponize them, control them and added some even more deadly features *gasp* I know right!

It took me a wee bit to settle into this one as it jumps about a fair bit, the marines, the synthetics, the predator(s), there are so many characters/scenes. Once I did get into it and settle to what was going on I did enjoy it. The aliens, your chances have always been low with them but once weaponised and controlled, especially in the numbers these guys are, ooft.

I am hoping we see more of the queen in book three and things come to a head, that karma finds those that need it AND get to see more of the predators. There really has only been one main featured with little mention of the others even though we know they are there and teaming up with us, at a distance.

The people behind the alien weaponization are not just sickos but absolutely mad, like genuine madness. Even the whole plan I am like what the actual so it will be interesting to see what book three holds and where it is going to take the story. I do quite like the synthetic, ours not the other side, 3/5 for this one.

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