Mine by J R Ward

Mine by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read -

Pages - 478

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In this gripping finale of The Lair of the Wolven series, destiny and desire are at war in the Black Dagger Brotherhood World as a deadly male holds the key to Lydia Susi and Daniel Joseph’s future…

Lydia knows time is running out, Daniel’s terminal diagnosis has doomed her to grief, and she just wants to spend as much time as she can with him. When his doctor goes missing, however, their secret lab’s location is compromised and suddenly she is at war with an enemy she doesn’t understand.

As a former black ops soldier, Daniel is very familiar with the danger they’re in, and he’s determined to keep his beautiful wolven safe. This means he must turn to his former boss—and relying on a sympathy for anything is a worst-case scenario on a good day. But what choice does he have?

With Daniel’s sixth sense telling him there’s more to the kidnapping, he and Lydia must work with their allies to defend the underground facility. Little do they know that the sympathy has something even more valuable to offer them… but at what cost?


My Review

Guys I do enjoy the Blackdagger Brotherhood books and this is The Lair of the Wolven but we do have Blackdagger crossover. If you haven't read the previous two books STOP READING HERE as it will be a spoiler (as is the above blurb). So Daniel is terminal, his doctor has been kidnapped, their enemy is brutal, almost unstoppable but finally something solid Lydia can go head to head with, a physical albeit not human enemy. Daniel isn't the only one who is on a countdown, can the missing doctor save any of them?

I thought this book was a real slow burner and so much sorrow and sadness as Daniel becomes more frail, the disease gets more of a grip. The focus is quite heavy on that, Xhex and her brother are more featured in this one so I did find that interesting because she is such a great character.

I feel this book left us hanging with so many more questions than it answered AND some areas had more time (their issues with intimacy from a physical point of view and their passion) that I felt needed. Feel free to chin me but I so wanted more about Xhex her brother, the experimentation past of Xhex. Does her brother have his own book as maybe I have missed that and why I have so many questions.

Also the Wolven, ok we do get a bit of shapeshifting in this one but not as much as I would expect nor it adding a whole lot. I did like hearing from Lydia whilst she was in Wolf mode as even in movies/books we rarely get that side.

I felt this was almost a foundation building type book rather than a book three finale. Maybe once I have read all of the BlackDagger Brotherhood books stuff will become clearer. I liked this well enough I just find I have so so so many questions, 3/5.

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The Snow Song by Sally Gardner

The Snow Song by Sally Gardner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - Gave to by a fellow blogger

Blurb from Goodreads

Women imprisoned by superstition, chained by guilt.

Perched on a mountain in a land of ancient forests is a village, rife with secrets. Cut off from the outside world it is run by the elders, men to whom tradition is all.

Edith lives alone with her alcoholic father who is forcing her to marry the village butcher. But she is in love with a shepherd who promised to return to her.

As the village becomes isolated in a sea of snow, Edith loses her power of speech. And it is this enchantment that will have far-reaching consequences, not only for Edith but for the whole village.


My Review

A cult like village, men are the be all and end all, money, fear and power rule the town. When Edith meets the love of her life, an outsider Shepherd she is willing to risk it all. An agreement is made, if he returns she can marry him, if he doesn't she WILL marry the power wielding cruel older butcher as promised by her alcoholic dad. As the small village is cut off and snowed in, Edith is forced to follow tradition, that which is expected of her. She loses her voice as her enforced wedding day looms and it seems everyone is hell bent on tradition and what it demands rather than Edith or what is right.

Guys, I haven't read a book quite like this, it has stories from "gypsy" traveller folk tales, told by the Shepherd or Edith as she heard them from her elder female relative. Some of the stories within the book itself have very fairytale style vibes. We have horrific abusive male characters that will enrage you by the way they treat and think of women. I did like how none of them had names but rather labelled by their professions. The female characters also provoke angry responses too and I would have liked to have slapped and shook some but we also see some personal growth, some!

The book is thought provoking, enchanting at times, dare I say almost magical at some points, not like Harry Potter type but more the stuff in fairytales, evil, good, shady questionable humans and their behaviours. How a strong female can make such a change/impact but also the old saying it takes a village to raise a child well this village shows just how bad things can be/accepted hence the almost cult like reference. Women subservient to males, except the Shepherd, he is such a nice and good soul, women being treated badly, used even by their so called loved ones, actions and consequences, it is a mixed bag. I think some people could take it to a really deep level, I was absorbed by it and a bit of rollercoaster of emotions, 4/5.

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January's competition - better late than never

Hiya guys, I am so so sorry January's competition is so late in the month. We have had so much going on here :( but sure It can't rain all of the time and giveaways/raks/comps make me happy.

So what is up for grabs?

The winner will pick x1 of the Bendy Reading lam man, choice of either pink

or blue.

I have had one for ages and the light lasts a wee while, battery can be replaced but even when it gives out you still have a bookmark. I will use mine (white) to show it in action.

They can also be used to hold your phone if you like to listen to stuff as you are reading

It does give a decent bit of light.

They are pretty light in weight so I will make this one open worldwide. To enter, the usual, just use the Rafflecopter below. Please only fill in the entries you complete as all winning entries are always checked. Good luck, we will leave it open for the usual 4 weeks.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holmes, Marple and Poe by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

Holmes, Marple & Poe by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 days

Pages - 352

Publisher - Century Books

Source - Arc

Blurb from Goodreads

Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and August Poe run the most in-demand private investigation firm in New York City.

The three detectives make a formidable team, solving a series of seemingly impossible crimes which expose the dark underbelly of the city; from priceless art theft, a high-stakes kidnapping, and a decades-old unsolved murder, to a gruesome subterranean prison, and corruption and bribery at the highest levels of power.

But it's not long before their headline-grabbing breakthroughs, unconventional methods - and untraceable pasts - attract the attention of the NYPD and the FBI.

After all, it's no surprise that there's a mystery or two to unravel in the city that never sleeps . . . not least, who really are Holmes, Marple and Poe?


My Review

Three Private Detectives, Holmes, Marple and Poe (yes that is their names) start up their own private detective agency. Intruding on a case and publicity high they take advantage of the opportunity and become super popular. They end up with a missing persons case, a kidnap/ransom and some very pricey stolen items. The trio peak the interest of the investigating cop, everyone has something to hide don't they and what is the deal with those names?

I never guess anything that is coming, work out twists or any of that I did guess one thing in this book, early on which is very unlike me but it didn't detract anything from the book/story. The book does have some themes in addiction, secrets, lies, risks, friendship and some very fabulous attitudes & tricks. I really really like Marple, she is just fabulous!

The trio are very different but compliment each other with their styles, special abilities and even their quirks seems to work well. The book is decent paced, short chapters which I LOVE and is always a pull for Patterson books, first time reading Sitts, I will check and see if he has anything else. Murder, skulduggery, investigation, attitudes I really liked this book, with all that it also has a heart. I just checked and book two came out today so I just ordered it, 4/5.

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I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay

Today we have our review (non spoiler as always). Book blurb read out loud if you prefer than reading from the text. I also have captions as some folk struggle with my Scottish accent (I do slow it down and enunciate when reading the blurbs resulting in a poshy accent apparently lol shhh Laura). Click HERE for the book blurb to be read to ya.

Here is our non spoiler review, enjoy, perfect for reading anytime, we curled up with a blanket or duvet because it is freezing here.


I Will Ruin You by Linwood Barclay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 341

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In the latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Linwood Barclay, a teacher’s act of heroism inadvertently makes him the target of a dangerous blackmailer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

How would you react in a life-or-death situation?

It’s a question everyone asks themselves, but few have to face in real life. English teacher Richard Boyle certainly never thought he would find himself talking down a former student intent on harming others, but when Mark LeDrew shows up at Richard’s school with a bomb strapped to his chest, Richard immediately jumps into action. Thanks to some quick thinking, he averts a major tragedy and is hailed as a hero, but not all the attention focused on him is positive.

Richard’s brief moment in the spotlight puts him in the sights of a deranged blackmailer with a score to settle. The situation rapidly spirals out of control, drawing Richard into a fraught web of salacious accusations and deadly secrets. As he tries to uncover the truth he discovers that there’s something deeply wrong in the town—something that ties together Mark, the blackmailer, and a gang of ruthless drug dealers, and Richard has landed smack in the middle of it. He’s desperate to find a way out, but everyone in his life seems to be hiding something, and trusting the wrong person could cost him everything he loves.

What price will he pay for one good deed?


My Review

Ooft the opening chapter, an ex pupil comes to his old school with a bomb, teacher Richard Boyle goes directly to the threat and ends up making the news in their wee town. Despite Richard being the hero of the hour he soon finds himself in a situation of blackmail, something that could ruin not just his career, his life but everything he holds dear. Buckle in folks you are about to go on a wild ride!

The chapters are short (we LOVE that) and they switch between Richard and untitled but they basically focus on the other characters and back and forth. There is so much going on, Richards family life and responding to how he put himself in harms way and everything that follows. The people blackmailing Richard and their chaotic lives but also the people involved in their dodgy dealings. The other one being Marta, Richard's sister in law who is a cop and the interlinked between her investigation and things that bring crossover to her sister and Richard.

It is absolutely a thriller, page turner and does have some themes that folk may find triggering, drugs, sa mentioned, murder, violence, blackmail, relationship issues, investigation its a whole mixed bag. Despite going between characters it all flows well and has good pace, it has been a wee while since we read Barclay and we do have others on the tbrm. Perfect when you just want to escape reality and absorb into a whole world of choas, 4.5/5 for us. This is a standalone just make sure when you pick it up your day is clear because you are going to want to devour it!

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My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood

My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Penguin UK

Source - Given by a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

Are You Brave Enough To Go Back?

Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She's the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and the memories it holds. Her sister Sally didn't. Instead, she drinks. But when their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.

What secret has Kate stumbled upon?

And is she strong enough to uncover the truth . . . and make it out alive?


My Review

Well this was different and not what I was expecting at all, Kate is a reporter, covers war torn countries. Home now after finding her mother has died (she missed the funeral) and her sister Sally is still not speaking to her. Kate has PTSD, medicated to try and get through the recurring traumas, the first half of the book focuses on her being back home and facing old trauma from her past and alcoholic father. The second half of the book really changed in pace, we then go to Sally and see her POV of the things Kate told us she suffered as a kid, now we see Sally's version. Sally is an alcoholic and only when something forces through the haze of booze is Sally forced out of her bubble, further pushing her already strained marriage.

Warning, as well as things witnessed in an active/ongoing war country/flashbacks, we have memories of abuse/violence/DV/alcoholism/exploitation and a horrific scene of animal death. I wasn't prepared for it and despite maybe showing just how far Sally has falling I just don't think it was needed and the scene is brutal (its a bird).

The narrators are unreliable, it jumps about, it is really dark and whilst there were things I really didn't like there is no denying the book has a pull about it. It is a very dark read so proceed with caution, this was my first by this author, I would absolutely read them again. They have a knack for painting very vivid scenes and lots of it is brutal and gives authentic vibes, 3/5.

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The Wedding Dress Repair Shop by Trisha Ashley

The Wedding Dress Repair Shop by Trisha Ashley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Bantam press

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Can her heart be mended too? Garland Fairford has her dream job as a historical Costumier in London and is engaged to a handsome and successful playwright, Marco. Whilst working on an exhibition of dresses owned by a Victorian actress, Garland meets a long-lost relative - Honey Fairford. Garland, an orphan, is delighted, and intrigued to discover Honey is planning to open a wedding dress museum in Lancashire. When Garland loses her fiancé e and her job in the same week, she is excited to accept Honey's offer to work at the museum. Escaping London, and her old life, Garland is then shocked to be confronted with a ghost from her past - Thom. As Garland starts to repair the beautiful vintage wedding dresses for the museum, as well as her relationship with Thom, could this finally be the chance for her own happy-ever-after?


My Review

Duo timeline, present day with Garland a historical costumier her self absorbed fiancé who is a playwright and fixated on his new play. Honey is a very successful author who happens to be related to Garland and of course Marco wants to exploit that. We hate Marco! Anyway something kicks off and Garland ends up losing her job and taking up Honey's offer, to work at her new museum. What museum I hear you ask? Only one prompted by Honey's own story and links in with her new book. Wedding dresses of brides that didn't have their happy ever after and Garland will be repairing and restoring the dresses, collating their stories and sorting the displays. Asif Garland's life isn't turned upside down enough - when she flees to the small town she is faced with something from her past that pulls the rug out from under her.

Oooft Garland fair goes on a journey, did I say we hate Marco? He is narcissistic, self obsessed, inflated ego and just an absolute banger we do not like him. The book flips between present day and back to the past, diary format, of the original wearer of the dress Garland was working on before everything kicked off.

Little dramas, relationships, secrets, lies and a beautiful wee scene stealer in the form of an old judgey cat, I absolutely love him. Overall it isn't a book I would have picked up myself but I am so glad I got it sent because I really enjoyed it. Despite it having a fair few characters/scene switches it flows well and I really enjoyed it - I think this was possibly my first by this author, it won't be my last 4/5.

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