BOOK REVIEW MY BEST FRIEND’S SECRET BY EMILY FREUD

Kate Sullivan has a beautiful home, a job she loves and a handsome fiancé: all she’d ever dreamed of since getting sober and painstakingly piecing her life back together.

But a chance encounter with her old best friend Becky threatens Kate’s newfound and fragile happiness. Kate remembers nothing of their last drunken night out, the night Becky broke off their friendship without warning or explanation.

With Becky back in her life, Kate is desperate to make amends for the past. For the closure she craves, Kate needs to know what she did that ruined everything. But what if the truth is worse than Kate could have imagined?

This has been on my agenda for a while and that was before I had even read the blurb.

I read this in one go … its that good!

Unputdownable! Addictive and unpredictable.

This is a fantastic read that had me hooked straight away. It’s an excellent debut and I can’t wait to see what she writes next..

Emily captures addiction perfectly and the thoughts and feelings behind it. I’m just under a year sober so this added to the enjoyment.

Jealously, childhood, love,loss,friendships and secrets are the themes explored and how they each impact someone and those around them.

I highly recommend this psychological thriller and its definitely one of my top 2021 reads.

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BOOK REVIEW YOU HAD IT COMING BY B.M. CARROLL

When paramedic Megan Lowe is called to the scene of an attempted murder, all she can do is try to save the victim. But as the man is lifted onto a stretcher, she realises she knows him. She despises him. Why should she save his life when he destroyed hers?

Jess Foster is on her way home when she receives a text from Megan. Once best friends, the two women haven’t been close for years, not since the night when they were just the teenage girls whom no-one believed; whose reputations were ruined. All Jess can think is, you had it coming.

Now Megan and Jess are at the centre of a murder investigation. But what secrets are they hiding? Can they trust one another? And who really is the victim?

Firstly a big thank you to Viper for a copy to review on netgalley. I loved her other release under Viper so was excited to read.

I raced through this and loved it.

Fresh, fast pacing with great relatable characters.

Unpredictable and cleverly written.

Incredibly tense and twisty this has you hooked from start to finish .

Published 13th May

BOOK REVIEW THE START OF SOMETHING BY MIRANDA DICKINSON

Two lonely people.
One note in the window.
And what happens when they reach out…

Lachlan Wallace is stuck at home after a car accident stalled his army career. With months of physiotherapy still to endure and only his rescue dog and cat for company, he’s taken to gazing out of the window, watching the world spin on without him. And then he notices a vase of flowers on the windowsill of the apartment opposite his. Drawn to their hope and colour, he decides to reach out and sticks a message in his window…

Bethan Gwynne is a stranger in a new town. Bringing up her son Noah by herself, she is slowly rebuilding her life, but loneliness is one obstacle she has yet to overcome. She’s intrigued by a glimpse of her neighbour in the apartment across from hers – and then, one evening, she sees a message in his window just for her:

WHAT ARE THOSE FLOWERS CALLED?

And so begins a love story of two people reaching out, daring to trust a stranger…

Firstly a big thank you to hq for my copy to review on netgalley. I am a huge fan of Mirandas books.

This is a sweet romance about 2 lost souls who are neighbours and both in new chapters of their journey.

A Beautiful and heartfelt book that’s uplifting and life affirming .

It was lovely and relatable to read a single parent character who has courage,strength and resilience.

I loved the sound of Lachlan from his tattoos to his alternative way of communicating.

Published 3rd February and if you’re yet to discover the beauty of mirandas imagination… welcome.

BOOK REVIEW LUCKY BY RACHEL EDWARDS

Etta wants to get married. Ola, her partner, says he does too, but he’s also allergic to making concrete plans and keeps insisting that they save enough for a house deposit before they even think of marriage.
So Etta finds a way to start secretly making money: online gambling. And how lucky that she just happens to be so good at it.

Soon she’s playing quite a lot. She doesn’t like lying to Ola, but it’s all for the good of their relationship. She’s even made a friend on the site, StChristopher75, and she’s invited to a special VIP party. And even if she is losing a little money here and there – or even quite a lot – she’ll win it back eventually. In the mean time, perhaps StChristopher75 can help her out with a little loan, once she’s met him in real life. He’s just won big, and he’s been so friendly and helpful.

And he says her photo’s hot. Why wouldn’t he want to help her?

I picked up a signed copy in London Waterstones and raced through it. Her debut was fantastic and after reading lucky she has gone on the list of my favourite authors.

This was intoxicating and addictive read about funny enough a addiction . This explores the impact it had on not just her but her loved ones .

Fantastic writing cleverly plotted and a really enjoyable thriller .

Unpredictable and thought provoking .

Highly recommend and published 24th June

BOOK REVIEW THE WEDDING DRESS BY DANI ATKINS

From bestselling author Dani Atkins, a new collection of three irresistible love stories, all linked by one very special dress.

Suzanne is engaged to be married to the man of her dreams – except the lead up to her wedding is beginning to feel more like a nightmare. Can Suzanne uncover the truth about her fiancé ahead of her big day?

Bella’s life was on track until the day of the hen party when everything changed. Now she must find the strength to rebuild her future – and decide who she wants to spend it with.

Mandy’s grandmother has fallen in love but her family don’t approve. For her grandmother’s dreams to come true, Mandy has a secret wedding to plan, and a very special dress to find.

These are the three strangers whose stories are about to be woven together by one perfect wedding dress.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley.ive enjoyed her previous books.

I didn’t realise it was 3 separate stories but it was a enjoyable read. Packed with romance and laughter .

My favourite story was the rollercoaster one which highlights the power of meant to be and instinct.

Love runs through the veins of this book and Danis beautifully emotive storytelling .

This book is a exploration into how we humans love ,feel and hurt .

Published 5th August

BOOK REVIEW HOUSE SWAP BY OLIVIA BEIRNE

Twins Katy and Rachel don’t know much about each other’s lives anymore.

Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.

Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life – but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.

And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they’re in for a big shock.

But it might just be the wake-up call they’ve both been waiting for. . .

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley. I’ve enjoyed previous books from this author.

This is a fun ,witty and modern story on sibling rivalry. All is not as it seems for either of the twins but both too stubborn to speak to one another.

I raced through this . Each sister had great charactar and I could relate to both.

A story of love,lies ,friendships and family . Its packed with warmth and humour .

Published 2nd September

BOOK REVIEW THE EX HUSBAND BY KAREN HAMILTON

Charlotte and Sam were partners. In life, and in crime. They never stole from anyone who couldn’t afford it. Wealthy clients, luxury cruise ships. It was easy money, and harmless. At least, that’s what Charlotte told herself, until the world caved in on her.

But now, years after she tried to put that past life behind her, it comes rushing back when her estranged ex-husband Sam suddenly goes missing – and someone threatens to expose what they did.

Desperate to escape whoever is tormenting her, Charlotte takes a job as events planner for an engagement party onboard a superyacht in the Caribbean. For a while, her plan seems to have worked, nothing but open ocean and clear skies ahead. Until it becomes clear that she’s no longer a thousand miles away from harm.

Because whoever is behind it all is onboard too. And now there’s nowhere left to run.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review.  I have loved all her books and thrilled for her tv news regarding her debut. So if you’re new to Karen’s books get ordering!

This is another fantastic thriller that will no doubt fly off the shelves . Gripping and exciting this makes the perfect summer read. Tense and unpredictable and that’s just the characters.

Cleverly written with alternate narratives and timeliness to build suspense and a foreboding feeling of unease.

Insightful and thought provoking, what would you do in this situation?

Perfect escapism and written in such a descriptive evocative style you are on board the ship .

Published 19th August and I highly recommend.

BOOK REVIEW YOUR LIFE OR MINE BY VICKI BRADLEY

There were only ever two choices – your life or mine.

Alana Loxton was part of the all-female team to take down Barratt, a notorious serial killer.
He is safely behind bars when one of the detectives goes missing.
Her disappearance, and the connection to the killer, could be a coincidence – but when her body is discovered days later, a link begins to form.
Then another detective from the team goes missing and the situation becomes horrifically clear.
Someone is picking them off one by one – and Alana’s name is next on the list . . .

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley. This is a new author to me and she didn’t dissapoint.

I raced through this eager to know the truth and identity of the killer /abductor. Fast paced and written expertly .

A fresh voice in the crime /psychological thriller genre. Perfect for fans of Nell Pattison and Angela Clarke.

Great characters each with their own flaws that shape their story.

Really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Vicki.

Published 27th May

BOOK REVIEW ALL FOR YOU BY LOUISE JENSEN

MEET THE WALSH FAMILY

Lucy: Mother. Wife. Falling to pieces . . .
Aidan: Father. Husband. In too deep . . .
Connor: Son. Friend. Can never tell the truth . . .

Everyone in this family has something to hide, but what are they trying to protect, and at what cost?

IT WAS ALL FOR YOU.

Firstly a big thank you to Hq for my copy to review on netgalley, I am a huge fan of Louise’s books so was very excited!

Wow what a ride this was ! I literally spent the afternoon with the Walsh family and inhaled their story. This blew me away.

Exciting addictive and utterly gripping.

I thought I had it worked out but let me tell you its so unpredictable.

I absolutely loved it, was incredibly thought provoking as a parent.

Compelling and chilling and I highly recommend. Louise is at the top of her game when it comes to writing a unputdownable psychological thriller .

Published 28th October

BOOK REVIEW KEEP-MY SECRETS BY ELENA WILKES

A life built on lies – now the truth could destroy her

Frankie Turner knows what it’s like to be unwanted; she was brought up in care. Now as a social worker to kids in the same system, she’s someone who understands … But Frankie is hiding an unthinkable secret: one that may have its roots in the murder of a young, beautiful woman fifteen years ago.

Yet the past is out there. Someone knows what Frankie is hiding – and now they’re back to shatter her perfectly constructed life, terrorising her with menacing letters and silent calls to the house she shares with husband Alex.

She may have reinvented herself, but Frankie’s past is back to haunt her – and now, there’s nowhere to run.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley. This is a new author for me .

I whizzed through this and absolutely loved every page

Unpredictable,dark,chilling and disturbing

You think it’s going one way then it goes another

Fast paced and thrilling

A brilliant psychological thriller.

Published 28th April