Aprils competition is for a £5 Amazon voucher

Happy April & Happy Easter if you celebrate it and if not, look a cute piccy of beautiful bunnies (credited to the Mirror).







So, April's giveaway will be a wee £5 Amazon voucher, as usual please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. The more entries you complete the more times your name will be entered. All winning entries are checked, any entries claims that are false will be disqualified and another winner selected. The competition runs until the end of the month, the prize is sent after the winner has been selected and checked.







Thanks for entering and good luck xxx



a Rafflecopter giveaway

City Girl by Patricia Scanlan

City Girl by Patricia Scanlan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 484

Publisher - Simon & Schuster UK

Blurb from Goodreads



Delivering stories that span generations, and offering warmth, wisdom and love on every page - if you treasured Maeve Binchy, read Patricia Scanlan

Three very different women face heartache, upheaval and reinvention in this romantic drama, which praises the power of friendship to pull you through when life gets tough.

At 21, Devlin is seduced by the suave, sophisticated Colin Cantrell-King, an older married man and her boss. But this affair will leave her with some tough decisions to make.

Caroline is afraid of being left on the shelf so jumps at the chance to marry the cool, detached and very attractive Richard. But, why does he never return her ardour with equal passion?

Married mother Maggie feels trapped in a loveless marriage until she discovers her husband's infidelity. What will she do with her new-found sense of liberation?


My Review

A story about three women, Devlin, Caroline & Maggie. All in very different circumstances and coming from different backgrounds the three form an unlikely friendship. The story goes over several years and looks at how life choices can have a massive impact on their whole lives and how they cope, survive and pull together to get through their experiences.

I have read Scanlan before and to be honest she is becoming an author I really like. I don't think you could call it chick lit because she hits some hard issues in a delicate and sensitive way. This book examines abuse, love, relationships, loss, parenthood, loneliness and hardship, to name a few of the topics covered.

The three main characters are very different, Devlin is beautiful, forceful and a force to be reckoned with but soon learns actions have long lasting consequences. Caroline is almost a slave to her own family looking after the boys, going from "an ugly duckling" to a beautiful young woman, Caroline fails to see her own beauty. Her lack of self worth follows her into adulthood and impacts on many aspects of her adult life. Maggie has always been spunky, never one to allow social attitudes, or her family, to dictate what she should do with her life Maggie makes her decisions to live her life as she wants. Soon realizing, as with her friends, actions have long lasting consequences she seeks solace with her old friends as they pull together to survive their demons.

A thought provoking tale of friendship and real life, I think many readers can identify with one or all of the characters at some point. The book packs some emotional punches as we follow three very different woman into adulthood and survival. How friendships can be broken and some can survive everything life has to throw at them. Carving out strong women who have weaknesses that shine through this is a story about life and the curve balls it throws you but more importantly, coping to get through it. 4/5 for me this time, there are I believe two more stories to follow this one with the same characters, I will be buying them for sure!

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Turning Into Your Mother by Ada Adverse

The Mills & Boon Modern Girl's Guide to Turning into Your Mother: The Perfect Mother's Day gift for mums who have it all by Ada Adverse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < than 20 minutes

Pages - 96

Publisher - Mills and Boons

Blurb from Goodreads

’Perfect for the gin lover in your life.’ – Sun

Have you ever…?

A) Opened your mouth and heard your mother come out?

B) Wondered whether a bunch of flowers and breakfast in bed once a year really makes up for the 37 hours your mum spent in St Agnes’ Maternity Ward?

C) Voiced a heartfelt opinion on the weather?

If so, the Mills & Boon Modern Girl’s Guide to Turning Into Your Mother is for you: a guide to the joys of motherhood – with a feminist twist.



My Review

Uck this wee book is a breath of fresh air! An A to Z with "advice" and snippets of motherhood, expectations and reality with a zesty comical take. Accompanied with pictures this Modern Girl's Guide could actually be named To Motherhood than Turning into your mother. Whilst pitched as the perfect mother's day gift, I think this is the perfect gift for any female. I am not a mother & won't be celebrating Mother's day but I think all females would enjoy this book and identify or relate to some of it.

With Mother's day looming it can be a beautiful day of celebration or a day that evokes sadness, emotional turmoil and one that is hard to face. This wee book is a ray of sunshine, I found myself laughing out loud at many of the pages and certainly smiling at them all. Some of the snippets conjured up vivid memories of my own mother and her take on one or two things within the book.

At a tiny 90 odd pages, I flew through this book in between spray painting some furniture, I picked it up for a quick nosey and ended up devouring it page to page. Stopping only once to text a family member and laugh over one of the quotes/advice. Amazing what one woman's quick wit has captured on a page and strikes up a personal memory and laugh. Genuine laughter and being caught off guard with memories, for me is priceless, I love this wee book. There are others in the #ModernGirlsGuides and I will track them down. I would love to see an actual novel from Adverse, she has an easy flow of writing and quick wit even in a few sentences, I think letting her loose on a few hundred pages worth would be priceless, I would buy it! 5/5 for me, whilst it is a tiny quick read it certainly holds its weight against some of the thick novels that are out just now on similar subjects. Thanks to much to Mills and Boon for introducing me to a new author and a series I will track down. For me, this book is a keeper, I have already ordered a copy for me friend and I don't think it is the only one I will be buying, a wee gem of a book!

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Deadly Alibi by Leigh Russell

Deadly Alibi by Leigh Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - on and off over 5 days

Pages - 320

Publisher - No Exit Press

Blurb from Goodreads

Two murder victims and a suspect whose alibi appears open to doubt.... Geraldine Steel is plunged into a double murder investigation which threatens not only her career, but her life. And then her previously unknown twin Helena turns up, with problems which are about to make Geraldine's life turn toxic in more ways than one!



My review

A woman killed, a suspect arrested and the police are trying to get a confession as all the peaces seem to fit. DI Geraldine Steel is investigating with her team and playing devils advocate, her colleagues are convinced they have their man. Fling into the mix Steel has personal problems going on, dealing with a bereavement and a "new" relative is in Steel's live turning her world upside down.

I need to say, this is book nine and whilst I haven't read everyone of them I would advise reading the back stories however this can be read as a standalone. There are two main splits in the book, the investigation and murders and Steel's personal life which goes into turmoil. For me, the personal side overshadowed the crime story slightly purely because the relative reminded me of someone in my past which caused an emotional roller coaster of a personal nature. I think for many readers this part will evoke a similar response, I was so annoyed at times with Steel for some of her choices but could empathize with her choices. The investigation itself keeps you hooked as they come at it from different angles, Sam infuriated me at times, young, headstrong and quick to jump to conclusions, I think Steel is a nice ying to her yang making them a good team.

The chapters are relatively short which I really like, especially with a busy work week it meant I could dip in and out as time allowed. The start of the book, as all her others, has a glossary of acronyms, this has always been something I love about Russell's books as often you forget what they mean as you go through the book.

I think this book has a huge stab at the personal side of police officers and what they may be facing outwith the duty and how it can influence their choices. What makes the characters so real, I think, is how very flawed each of them can be. I think of all the Steel books so far, this will be one that stays with me for a long time, I really look forward to seeing what is next in store for her. 4/5 for me this time, thanks so much to No Exit Press for sending me a copy, all views are my own.

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Sins Of The Father by Sheryl Browne

Sins of the Father by Sheryl Browne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < than 1 day

Pages - 329

Publisher - Death by Choclit

Blurb from Goodreads

What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?

Detective Inspector Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family and his own sanity too. On the surface, he seems to be moving on, but he drinks to forget – and when he closes his eyes, the nightmares still come.

But the past is the past – or is it? Because the evil Patrick Sullivan might be out of the picture, but there’s somebody who is just as intent on making Matthew’s life hell, and they’re doing it in the cruelest way possible.

When Matthew finds himself accused of a horrific and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them as well?



My Review

DI Matthew Adams is slowly recovering from his last case that almost cost him his family and his life. Now he faces possibly the worst time of his life, as a police officer he is accused of a horrendous crime, doubted by those closest to him Matthew does what he can to protect his family.

This is book two in a series, whilst this can be read as a standalone I would advise reading the first as it gives you much better insight into the relationships and what they characters have already endured. Ooft this is a hard hitting book, it covers many subjects that can be hard hitting for some readers, abuse, rape, enforced drug use, kidnap, murder and that's just scratching the surface. There are many dimensions to this story, relationships and the strain and strength after something so horrific is unleashed upon one family.

I had questions from the previous book about Ashley and her imaginary friend which I felt I got a bit more clarification this time round although it is a very small part of the book. This book looks at the other side of false accusations, both as the victim and perpetrator which is usual and different. As second in the series you are always at risk of losing something especially if the first has been action packed, not so in this case. At times I felt myself holding my breath getting through some scenes, action packed, horrific and the tension rising as the scenes got darker. 4/5 for me this time, thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy to review, all opinions are my own. I look forward to the next in the series and what the future holds for the Adams.

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Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Red Hill by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days on and off

Pages - 368

Publisher - Simon & Schuster

Blurb from Goodreads


When the world ends, can love survive?

For Scarlet, raising her two daughters alone makes fighting for tomorrow an everyday battle. Nathan has a wife, but can’t remember what it’s like to be in love; only his young daughter Zoe makes coming home worthwhile. Miranda’s biggest concern is whether her new VW Bug is big enough to carry her sister and their boyfriends on a weekend escape from college finals.

When reports of a widespread, deadly “outbreak” begin to surface, these ordinary people face extraordinary circumstances and suddenly their fates are intertwined. Recognizing they can’t outrun the danger, Scarlet, Nathan, and Miranda desperately seek shelter at the same secluded ranch, Red Hill. Emotions run high while old and new relationships are tested in the face of a terrifying enemy—an enemy who no longer remembers what it’s like to be human.

Set against the backdrop of a brilliantly realized apocalyptic world, love somehow finds a way to survive. But what happens when the one you’d die for becomes the one who could destroy you?



My Review

Scarlett works in the hospital which is where she is when the outbreaks really kicks off. Her two daughters are with her ex husband and her main focus is getting to them and a place of safety. One of the doctors she works with has a safe haven, Red Hill, this is where Scarlett aims to get to. The doctors own daughters are headed to this location and a few other characters. With a deadly zombie outbreak, cannibalism, violence and death the main goal for all is to get to safety unharmed.

You know by now I love a zombie book and I especially love that this one kicks off really in a hospital. We get split between the main characters with each chapter, Scarlett, Nathan & his daughter and Miranda, Ashley (the doctors daughters) and their partners. Whilst there is gore and deaths galore this book also looks are relationships and the impacts this kind of disaster can have on families and how people cope and survive.

There are dark themes as always with apocalypse but also the darker side of human nature when vulnerable people are left unprotected. Sexual abuse raises its ugly head, briefly but enough that I feel a warning is required to fellow readers. Really fast paced, despite jumps in characters and locations the book does well to keep it together and relevant. I would have read it in one sitting given the chance, there is another book which looks at the journey of two of the survivors but nothing from where this one ends. I tweeted the author and really hope this is in the pipelines or gives McGuire consideration to pick up where she left off with the characters. 4/5 for me this time, this is my first dance with this author and I would read her work again.

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Wee additional giveaway

Hello lovelies. So, bookmarks have been the topic of conversation in a few of the book clubs I am in. I love bookmarks (as most book geeks do) and think you can never have enough! So, with March being a hard month for some, it is Mothers day soon, some of us don't celebrate, some of us can't, I thought a wee additional giveaway would be nice.



In order to enter the comp, head over to SMBSLT's Facebook page *CLICK HERE* and just like/share the post to be in with a chance of winning. Open worldwide guys, good luck if entering. Hope you are all having a chilled Sunday xxx

The Wild Air by Rebecca Mascull

The Wild Air by Rebecca Mascull
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - on and off for 2 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Blurb from Amazon

In Edwardian England, aeroplanes are a new, magical invention, while female pilots are rare indeed.

When shy Della Dobbs meets her mother's aunt, her life changes forever. Great Auntie Betty has come home from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, across whose windswept dunes the Wright Brothers tested their historic flying machines. Della develops a burning ambition to fly and Betty is determined to help her.

But the Great War is coming and it threatens to destroy everything - and everyone - Della loves.

Uplifting and page-turning, THE WILD AIR is a story about love, loss and following your dreams against all odds.


My Review

Della is a subdued and quiet child until her Aunt Betty comes back to live in the town and shows Della it is ok to chase your dreams. Della loves flying and aeroplanes but knows a woman's place is in the home, second place always to men, it is the early 1900s. But with Betty at her side, Della realises that against all odds she can chase her dream and be who she wants to be but at what cost?

I am so glad I didn't read the blurb when I agreed to review this, I am not a huge lover of historical fiction nor into aeroplanes much at all. Guys I loved this book!!! Aunt Betty is a fabulous character, looked down upon by the village folk for daring to be different, want more than babies and a kitchen sink. She comes back with her head held high and shows Della there is much more out there if she is brave enough to go after it. And Della does, becoming a strong and independent woman she pursues her dreams of attempting to become a female pilot. As the war is looming Della faces many more challenges than just sexist attitudes and risks everything she has achieved to follow her heart.

I love a book with strong female characters, when Aunt Betty was in the picture she stole the show and I genuinely hope the author considers giving Betty her own stage and story, she is marvelous. Della is another strong character although more subtle in her strength and we watch her grow from a young girl to a determined headstrong woman. The attitudes of the times, facing scorn for wanting something more from her life, the horrors or war and some heroic choices makes Della a character you can't help but love. A surprising aspect for me was all the plane storyline, you can tell Mascull went to town on her research for this book, I learned so much about the machines and even the history of them. I always find it a great wee bonus when you learn something true from a fiction book and it did peak my interest in aircraft although I would never be so brave to learn to fly.

A story of moral, strength, beauty, personal growth, family, expectations and going against the grain when you are expected to fall in line. Creating characters that the readers becomes invested in from practically the first page. I would have sunk this in one sitting had life not got in the way, Mascull has a way yanking you through the years to a different era, so vivid the scene you can smell and taste it. 5/5 for me this time, I have read this author before and I will read her again, I think I have missed one of her books so will need to snap that up, I eagerly await her next. Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy, all views are my own. Available to buy from the 6th of April 2017.

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Why not just burn the books?

Image credit here


Now I don't for one second mean I would ever damage or burn a book *shudders at the thought* however after what I read today, in a line of shocking comments recently from readers, I do sometimes wonder why they don't. Destroy the books, ban authors, destroy the literary world as we know it, because slowly one by one actions like what I read today are doing just that.



I am a member of many book clubs, I love books, I buy books, I practically inhale them when I get a chance. I am a reader, a blogger, a reviewer. I am one of the few who review both books I loved and didn't particularly like much at all but I am constructive and I will always recommend a book because what I hated others will love. But one thing I am seeing more and more is some people, readers, wanting books and to not pay ANYTHING for them. Suggestions of joining a review site because and I quote "you get free books and you don't even have to review them!" sadly I have heard this a fair bit in the past few months.







The site they are talking about is designed for reviewers and it is set up for you to request a book and in EXCHANGE you give an honest review, as with anything this is being exploited by some and sadly not being properly vetted.




Today someone posted that they had read a book, didn't enjoy it and returned it for a refund!!!




I am shocked, angry, enraged and I am not even an author, I am a reader, a lover of books. I just think, how many times have we went to a movie, not liked or loved it and would never ask for a refund. Why? Because I got what I paid for, I used it, watched it! I had previously heard of people downloading ebooks and returning them after reading them, getting a refund, Sorry guys but that is STEALING You paid for something, you used it, I don't care if it is an ebook, makeup, a movie, you loved it or hated it, authors get negatives on their statements that show when a book has been refunded. Someone has paid them money for their work and then oh wait, I didn't like it or hey I did but I can exploit something here so I will get a refund. Absolutely shocking, imagine putting your heart and soul into something, working on it for months or years, someone wants it, buys it - something you created, what an amazing feeling. Then to have it stolen or demand their money back, after they used it, I am not talking about someone disliking a book guys, you buy it you are entitled to your opinion, I am talking about buying something, using it and then sending it back just because you can.


As a reader I am disheartened, I can only imagine what authors must have felt seeing that. All I can say is, if you love books SUPPORT your authors. Do not get them by illegal means, if you have money issues and love reading then go and support your local libraries, authors do get money from this. Not much but it is much more than getting it from dodgy sites, kindle does deals where you can get free books that another day are full price. Many sites can alert you to it, reading this post? I do giveaways pretty much every month albeit pre loved but some are brand new signed copies, sometimes Amazon vouchers. There are many ways to indulge your love of reading AND support your authors.



Please remember that with any business it is supply and demand, if we all just take things because we can, we are disrespecting our authors, our books, our fellow readers and doing the literary world a massive disservice. Respect the printed word (treebooks and ebooks), respect books for what they are and bring us. Think how much say a cup of coffee costs us and how long that lasts. Thing about the book that hooked you on reading, or the last book that made you cry, or the book that got you through that dark spot in your life. That is something that for me is priceless, I am sure all book lovers agree, lets keep the book world alive.




Photo created to here

ZomB Angels by Darren Shan

Zom-B Angels by Darren Shan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 233

Publisher - Simon & Schuster

Blurb from Goodreads


After spending the last few months wandering around London--a city filled with the dead--B Smith has given up hope for any sign of normal human existence. But then B finds strange signs all over the city--a "Z" plus red arrows. Following them, B finds The Angels-- a group gathered in the hopes of combating the evil dead and the forces that introduced them. But all is not as it seems and it's up to B to find out: what battle are they truly waging?



My Review


This is book 4, if you haven't read the previous books I would recommend you do so as I think you get much more out of the story knowing the previous parts. B is out and about, going around London and not finding anything much apart from zomheads. She has followed the Z & red arrows and come across a group, a safe haven, a place she can be herself. As B starts to understand what the place is about and their mission, she has to decide if this is right for her.

So, we certainly get a few more answers in this book and a focus as to where the story is headed as well as a bit more insight into the dreaded clowns ans his minions. Again some scenes are gross and there is one particularly harrowing scene with a child so be warned. I felt there was a wee bit of preachiness in this book, religion and again racism which has featured in the previous books especially if you know B's background.

Overall, if you have enjoyed the series so far you will like this one. B is further developing who she is and whilst she won't physically age she is certainly maturing and growing as a "person". 3/5 for me this time, I have the next installment and I will be reading it soon, I am quite keen to see where Shan takes it.

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Let The Dead Speak by Jane Casey - Blog Tour

Welcoming Jane Casey to So Many Books, So Little Time.







Today is my turn on the blog tour stop for Let The Dead Speak by Jane Casey, published by Harper Collins. I was very kindly sent an advanced copy for review.



Let the Dead Speak by Jane Casey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - over 5 days

Publisher - Harper Collins

Pages - 352

Blurb from Goodreads

When eighteen-year-old Chloe Emery returns to her West London home she finds her mother missing, the house covered in blood. Everything points to murder, except for one thing: there's no sign of the body.

London detective Maeve Kerrigan and the homicide team turn their attention to the neighbours. The ultra-religious Norrises are acting suspiciously; their teenage daughter and Chloe Emery definitely have something to hide. Then there's William Turner, once accused of stabbing a schoolmate and the neighborhood's favorite criminal. Is he merely a scapegoat, or is there more behind the charismatic facade?

As a body fails to materialize, Maeve must piece together a patchwork of testimonies and accusations. Who is lying, and who is not? And soon Maeve starts to realize that not only will the answer lead to Kate Emery, but more lives may hang in the balance.



My Review

Chloe arrives home sooner than expected and finds a blood covered house and no sign of her mother. The police arrive and despite there being no body, it is clear someone has died and Chloes mother is missing. Detective Maeve Kerrigan is on the case with her team and whilst the body is MIA the detectives need to knuckle down, question everyone and breakdown the barriers and lies to find what happened. With one religious family and a neighborhood lad who everyone seems to suspect, the real detective work has to sort out who has something to hide and is it murder?

The opening chapter pulls the reader in and gets the hairs on the back of your neck standing. The two main detectives Derwent and Kerrigan have a complex relationship, seemingly hostile at times they have each others back with humour and cheek on equal balance. Chloe is eighteen but seemingly much younger than her years, unlike her friend Bethany, younger in age but wiser than her years. Chloe is taken in by Bethany's family whilst the investigation proceeds and slowly unravels the complexity of the relationships with the characters and their families.

I would have read this book in one sitting had work not gotten in my way, as it was I was having to snatch moments where I could to find out what was happening next. The book kept me guessing right up to the last chapter, this is part of an established series but my first book of this authors. I don't think I was at a loss not having read the previous books but I will be buying them up, 4/5 for me this time. This book is out to buy this week, 9th of March 2017, from all good retailers, if you are a fan of the series already you will love this one.

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I am the second stop on the blog tour, please check out the following fabulous blogs on their day(s) for the rest of the tour. You can visit Jane on twitter at @JaneCaseyAuthor and the book is available to buy from all good retailers or head over to Amazon.

The Breakdown by B A Paris

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 352

Publisher - HQ

Blurb from Goodreads

If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods, on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, with the woman sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm. Her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home. And she probably would only have been hurt herself if she’d stopped.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing: where she left the car, if she took her pills, the alarm code, why she ordered a pram when she doesn’t have a baby.

The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.

Or the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…

My Review

Imagine going along a deserted road through the woods, the weather is horrendous and you see a woman in a car alone pulled over, what do you do. Cass made a choice and is now having to live with that choice. Stressed out and going over everything Cass feels like she is starting to loose it, things are happening, her memory is going, she can't operate things she could yesterday and Cass has a secret from her past that is making everything worse. Is Cass losing her mind or is someone actually after her?

Ooooh this is the second book from this author, you don't have to have read the first to read this as they are both standalones. I started suspecting everyone and everything almost from the start, Cass got under my skin and initially really irritated me. As the book goes on I actually felt quite sorry for her and at times caught my breath as her mental state took a knock. As Cass starts to fall down a black hole the hairs on the back of my neck went up, imaging not being able to trust your own judgement or feel safe in your own home.

Paris has a skill for creeping the reader out and creating some of the darkest sides of humanity, I absolutely love it. Freaking out your reader and engaging your audience from practically the first chapter is no easy feat. 5/5 for me this time, I really enjoy this authors writing style and await her next!

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After She's Gone by Sheryl Browne

After she's Gone by Sheryl Browne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days on and off

Publisher - Choc Lit

Pages -

Blurb from Goodreads

He’s killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
There’s evil and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.

But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.


My Review

DI Matthew Adams was bullied as a kid, by none other than Patrick Sullivan who is now a top dog pimp, drug runner, murderer and psycho. Their bad blood has gone on all these years and worse still, blood has been shed. When Patrick loses one of his own his retribution is swift, deadly and sets the ball rolling for more bloodshed, anger and vengeance.

Ugh it is never a good thing when a child dies and one of the earlier scenes really hits the reader hard, how can it not when a child is involved. It sets the precedent for everything that follows and cements a long running feud with innocent bystanders set to suffer. We learn about Adams family and introduced to his niece whose "invisible friend" takes the story on a different spin. I would have loved to have heard a lot more about her and seen this aspect of the story explored in a lot more detail, I hold out hope for it in the next installment.

The book is fast paced, we fire in to some disturbing scenes and history between the two main characters. Both have a very negative affect on each other and we see the characters spiral down a dark path. Patrick is a psychopath, as the story goes on we see just how cracked and depraved one person can be and how a balanced individual can destruct when pushed to the limit. The story covers many topics, family, loss, grief, death of a child, abuse, sexual depravity, murder, drugs and prostitution to name just a few. Not for the feint hearted, a good start to a new series, if you haven't read Browne before this is a great place to start. 4/5 fr me this time, thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.

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March giveaway is now live

Hey you guys, sorry I am a few days late getting this one up. I have had loads on, the o/h is off work sick, we had a book meet down in Liverpool and tons of reviews to catch up on.





The competition this month is for a wee Disney totebag featuring Minnie mouse as shown in the picture, a wee tea light candle and a mint aero chocolate bar. As always, enter by filling in the Rafflecopter, the more entries you complete the more times you name goes into the "bag" the competition is open worldwide.


Oh and here is just a wee bonus picture of Princess Trixie because, well she is super cute :D xxx







a Rafflecopter giveaway

ZomB City by Darren Shan

Zom-B City by Darren Shan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Publisher - Simon & Schuster UK

Pages - 213

Blurb from Goodreads


How many survived the zombie apocalypse?Where do the living hide in a city of the dead?

Who controls the streets of London?

B Smith is setting out to explore...



My Review

B is out from underground, picking up from where we left book three, she is weak, hungry and disorientated. Stumbling about she hits the streets of London, among the undead to try and find her way through the new world and what her place in it might be.

You can read this book as a stand alone as Shan does give a brief recap of what you have missed, however if you can I would suggest going back and reading the others. B is determined she won't be attacking humans but she knows what she needs to do in order to survive. Despite being undead and never being able to age, B is growing up fast and trying to adapt to her new way of life. Coming across the undead is not her only problem, there are much worse things than zombies out there and what do they have planned for her?

More death, gore and self exploration, some of the scenes cover innocent and young victims which some readers may find distressing. If you have read the previous and enjoyed you won't be disappointed with this one. B's journey continues, we are offered a bit more insight into what has happened and how our world looks now. I can't wait to see where the next installment takes us, 4/5 for me this time.

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Happy World Book Day Celebration

Happy World Book Day you lovely people, I hope you are all celebrating in some way. I have seen lots of fabulous kiddos dressed up today as some great characters and even a troop of children heading into Waterstones. Not the best picture but there was so many and I always think it is awesome seeing young minds taking an interest in books.





So for me, I decided today was a perfect excuse to break out my wee Harry Potter shoes, much to my o/h's horror, I have no shame and age is but a number.





And my newest addition to the geek collection, my Harry Potter 9 3/4 chain, before heading out for lunch with friends, I took them each a book and bookmark.





And to continue the celebration, I bought some books, one for my friend, one for me and one for a giveaway. I also got a wee candle for me and chocolate to pop in with the giveaway. Open to all, as always use the Rafflecopter, I will only be leaving this open today/tonight as it is an additional giveaway to celebrate World Book Day :D xxx Just to be clear, the book up for grabs is The World's Most Evil Gangsters by James Banting.






a Rafflecopter giveaway