Tag: RATED 5/5

Pretty Little Things by Jilliane Hoffman

Pretty Little Things

My Rating: 5/5

Jilliane Hoffman was introduced to me originally by a friend and I read her first novel Retribution (2005) which I adored. However her next book didn’t come out until a year later (Last Witness – 2006) and another two years go by before another book gets released (Plea of Insanity – 2008) and after that I forgot about her because it is so unpredictable with the timings of her books. Therefore I couldn’t wait to get my grubby little paws on her latest thriller.

Pretty Little Things tells the story of Elaine Emerson know as Lainey. She is a normal girl except for the fact that she might as well be invisible in her own home. Her mother is too busy to know or care what she does, her little brother can do no wrong, her step-father is too busy at work and her elder sister no longer bothers coming home. So when Lainey is left to her own devices online, things go terribly wrong. With their recent house move and the loss of all of her school friends Lainey is finding it hard enough as it is to fit in at her new school, so when a handsome boy makes friends with her online she sees no reason why she shouldn’t meet up with him. For Lainey this is where it all goes wrong. Where she is taken and who has taken her she can’t say but she does know that she is scared and that she isn’t alone.

Bobby Dees is a Special Agent and when he gets that all too familiar phone call one morning he knows the coming weeks will be hell. Bobby is suffering with his own demons and his marriage is falling apart at the seams following the disappearance of his own daughter over a year ago. Still, he pushes his grief to one side and gets to work on his latest case involving the missing Lainey. Bobby soon realises that Lainey was pretty much left to her own devices and it doesn’t take long for him to figure out the last contact Lainey had was with somebody known only as El Capitan. The question is can he get to her before she winds up being another statistic?

Wow, I was really thrilled with this new book and finished it within a day and a half. It took me the usual two or three chapters to really absorb myself in the story but once there I couldn’t resist going back chapter upon chapter until before I knew it I was finished. The story is laid out really well with the story told from Bobby Dees, Lainey as well as the disturbed life of the man who has taken young Lainey. The chapters were written well enough for me to start fearing for my nieces growing up! Bobby Dees is written very well and you end up liking him and Jilliane Hoffman doesn’t go overboard with the sympathy vote for him which I liked. I cannot come up with one thing I didn’t like about this book and am only sad that I now don’t know how long I will have to wait for the next one!

Lost Innocence by Susan Lewis

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Synopsis: When Alicia Carlyle returns to the home of her childhood after the tragic death of her husband, she is hoping to put the past behind her. But first she must come face to face with the woman who nearly destroyed her marriage and tore her family in two – her sister-in-law, Sabrina. Their enmity runs deep, but Alicia is determined to make a fresh start for herself and her two children, Nathan and Darcie, and to heal her fractured relationship with her beloved brother.

However, just when it looks as if they might have a chance at a brighter future, Sabrina’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Annabelle, accuses seventeen-year-old Nathan of a crime he insists he didn’t commit. And once more the two families are locked in a battle that is fraught with mistrust, betrayal and lies – a battle that threatens to destroy them all…

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

My Review: Susan Lewis has written her 22rd novel Lost Innocence which was published in 2009. I have written every one of her novels since she started writing back in 1988 and must say that she is an absolutely fantastic author.

This particular story introduces us to Alicia Carlyle and her children Nat and Darcie. Alicia has to make some huge changes following the sudden death of her husband Craig. Alicia grew up in Holly Wood which is where her brother Robert and his wife Sabrina live along with Sabrina’s daughter Annabelle. When Alicia is forced to move back to her childhood home to start afresh she realises that things aren’t going to be easy. She is going to have to face her sister-in-law who nearly wrecked her life and marriage. She also wants to try and build bridge with her brother Robert as things between them have been strained for over a year. When she does return at first it seems like life will bring her a brighter and better future with the introduction of a man who can help her career and a new home and schools for her children. At 17, Nat has decided to follow in his late fathers footsteps and go into law and his sister Darcie is looking forward to meeting the friends that she used to play with when she was younger. However before long all of their lives are shattered when Annabelle accuses Nat of a crime he says he didn’t commit. The following months tell a very sad and tragic tale of two children locked in a battle over who is telling the truth. The truth is marred by the past involving both Sabrina and Alicia with Robert stuck in the middle. Will the truth come out, and more importantly who is telling lies and who isn’t?

I must say that although I have been a huge fan of Susan Lewis, this latest book exceeded all expectations. She manages to write a fantastic book that really pulls at heart strings. She manages to write about situations that have probably happened across the world to many different people. She writes with feeling and emotion telling a truly sad tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think that unlike other authors; her work seems to get better with every book she writes. I struggle to fit this book into a category as she doesn’t fall into my opinion of `Chick Lit’. She writes books that touch a nerve and never fails to impress. HIGHLY recommended.

Original Sin by Tasmina Perry

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My Rating 5/5

Kat’s Review: In TP’s fourth book we delve into the present and past of the Asgill family. They own an International cosmetics company and Meredith Asgill the mother is determined to keep her children’s profiles as squeaky clean as possible. She meets Tess and Jemma who are publicists based in London who are ready to run a sensational story on the Asgill’s. Instead of running the story Meredith offers Tess the opportunity of a lifetime which is how Tess ends up working alongside this wealthy and powerful family. Life changes dramatically as Tess becomes embroiled into the Asgill’s lives.


Brooke Asgill is due to marry David Billington, an equally powerful and rich man. Liz Asgill is the elder sister who is fighting her corner for control of the family company. She believes that she has what it takes to make the brand successful once again with her at the helm. Her brother William is also fighting for control but mostly on behalf of his power crazy, social climbing wife. Lastly there is Sean Asgill who is the Playboy of the family. He never takes anything seriously and is mostly featured on the front of magazines with various women draped on his arm. When they all meet Tess everybody’s lives change dramatically. Who will take over the company, will Brooke marry David, and will any of their past secrets be kept at bay by Tess, or come out and potentially destroy the family’s reputation?

This story is full of twists and turns and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter. Having read previous Tasmina Perry books I awaited this one with baited breath wondering and hoping that it would be as good as the last one, if not better. I had no need to worry. Tasmina Perry has produced what I think is her best novel so far. The story is compelling and full of drama, glamour, secrets and lies. What more could we ask for? I await her next book with very high expectations!

SCARLET WOMAN BY JESSIE KEANE (ANNIE CARTER #3)

My Rating: 5/5

Jessie Keane has produced a series of books. They are all running along the crime/thriller end of the market with a strong female lead. We have yet to experience what else she has to bring.

This book is the follow up from book 1 (Dirty Game) and book 2 (Black Widow). Once again Annie Carter is back in London and trying to run her husbands business. It’s now the 70’s and her arch enemy’s the Delaney’s are still around and running the brothel that her good friend Dolly runs. When prostitutes start getting killed Annie gets involved, wanting to know who is involved. In doing that she gets herself caught up in the middle of a war and puts her own life at risk. One of close friend’s Chris Brown ends up being framed for the murders and Dolly want’s to do everything she can to clear his name. Not only does she have to find the culprit, but she is working against her own boys who don’t like answering to a woman. She is working at having to prove herself as the Boss and also manage looking after her business along with her young daughter Layla. When Constantine Barolli turns up it complicates the situation even further. He is a dangerous Mob Boss and Annie finds herself fighting off her real feelings for him in an attempt to keep her business at the top. Can she find the real killer before it is too late or will she end up having to identify another young girl?

This book was an absolute corker and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well worth the wait for the final instalment in the Annie Carter books. I didn’t put this down once I’d started. The writing style and the fact that you know this is the conclusion keeps you turning page after page. The only negative is what to expect from Jessie Keane next. With her last three books being as good as they have been there are high expectations for the next one. I can’t wait!

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo (Kate Burkholder #1)

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My Review: 5/5

Wow, what can I say? I picked up this book after reading the jacket info and let me tell you, it gives you no clue as to how good a read this book really is. The story is set in Painters Mill, a sleepy town which is both English and Amish. Kate Burkholder was born and raised Amish and then went against the grain and ended up as acting Police Chief in the same town that she was born and raised in. One night they get a call that is par for the course in a town like Painters Mill saying there are cows running loose. When one of Kate’s colleagues arrives he doesn’t find just loose cows on the road.

When Kate arrives on the scene she is greeted with a crime scene so horrific it will have the hairs on your arms standing on end. Kate isn’t sure whether she can deal with a case like this but vows to catch the killer. John Tomasetti is a cop that has had to deal with his own demons and he is drafted in to help with the case. When he meets Kate, he realises that not only is this case a reason to drag himself out of the hole he has been in the last year or so, but a time to delve into the troubled past of Kate Burkholder.

Together they work at not only solving the case and finding the killer, but dealing with their own secrets and troubled pasts. I can honestly say that I had no expectations for this book but was thoroughly engrossed (to the point that I missed my train stop because I was too busy finishing it). I loved the writing style and because of the Amish angle, found it quite a refreshing read as I haven’t read a book quite like this one before. The characters were good but maybe it would be nice to get more insight into Kate Burkholder but this still didn’t stop my enjoyment of the book. The last few chapters made for a fantastic ending too. Wonderful book and I look forward to the next one.

BLACK WIDOW BY JESSIE KEANE (Annie Carter #2)

My Review: 5/5

 This second book in the follow up from book 1 (Dirty Game), starts out in Spain with Max and Annie living the perfectly quiet life with their daughter Layla. Annie Bailey is now Mrs Annie Carter and she loves her life as a happily married woman. Max’ brother Jonjo is also there and they are all enjoying the sun until everything goes blank for Annie. When she comes round there is no sign of Max, Jonjo is dead and her daughter missing. Armed with nothing but her determination and her passport, a phone call sends her on a plane and back to London.

She resorts to staying with her good friend Dolly who runs a brothel to try and work out the mess she is in. Staying there is a dangerous game as it is also in the middle of the Delaney’s patch. With the Delaney’s being the Carters enemy and arch rival Annie has to carve out her own niche with her husbands firm. Annie has to gain respect from all the boys on the firm to stand a chance at getting her daughter back. Will she be able to, or is it already too late?

Jessie Keane has created a book with characters that you end up loving and loathing in equal measures. I found that the book was so easy to read and follow. The plots were all linked together without being too intricate and it was a very exciting read from start to finish. The opening few chapters are explosive. We pick up from where the previous book left off and this book left me wanting to find out what happens next for Annie Carter. This was certainly left with room for more and that’s exactly what I am now waiting for. Am eagerly anticipating her third book and would highly recommend Jessie Keane. If you are a Martina Cole, Mandasue Heller or June Hampson fan this is something you will love.

Gold Diggers by Tasmina Perry

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My Rating: 5/5

My Review: I have read Tasmina Perry’s first book and before I give you the low-down I need to explain about the Genre of this book. It is a typical `Bonkbuster’ which reminds me of the type of books Jackie Collins writes. This style of book isn’t everybody’s cup of tea but for those that do like it and were mad fans of Dynasty and the like will absolutely LOVE this type of book. It has everything a good Chick Lit book should have. Lust, Greed and most importantly glamour!

Based in London we meet Adam Gold who owns the hugely successful Midas Corporation. He is the type of man every woman could only dream about. He is successful, handsome, sexy and extremely powerful. What he doesn’t realise is he is about to meet the `Gold Diggers’. The `Gold Diggers’ come in the form of Karin, Erin, Molly and Summer. Karin is a successful swimwear entrepreneur and the thought of having handsome Adam on her arm is almost too much to bear. She is a woman who is known for getting what she wants and is always the boss. Her biggest rival is Molly who was a huge star in the 80’s but her success is now fading. The only thing she is gaining as time goes on is an expensive drug habit and lifestyle that she cannot keep up with. Could Adam be the answer to her prayers? Molly’s daughter Summer has never had a great relationship with her mother, due to the fact that Molly sees her as a burden. The tables are turned in Summer’s favour when she lands a big contract that promises to make her the next `big thing’. Last but not least we meet Erin. She is the country girl who decides to move to London and ironically ends up working as a PA to the one and only Adam Gold. The story is the contest of a lifetime. Which one of the girls will finally snare the illustrious Adam Gold?

The book was an absolute corker! The writing was fantastic with the author taking up to the exotic locations of Monte Carlo, Lake Como, St Moritz and St Barts. We get to plunge head first into the world of the rich and famous. The thing I also love is that the author doesn’t skimp. Tasmina Perry books are always pretty meaty and you get a real feel for all of the characters. This book is absolutely fantastic and I have no negatives about it at all. Just remember, Gold Diggers is like Marmite. You will either love it or hate it.

Relentless by Simon Kernick

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My Rating: 5/5

My Review: Having never read Simon Kernick this book was lent to me. I have to say this story grabbed me from chapter one and didn’t let go. It normally takes a couple of chapters to really engross yourself in a book but not in this case.

Tom Merron is playing with his children in the garden when a phone call comes in that will change his life forever. All he hears is his old and close friend Jack in agony and panting down the phone. He hears jack mutter the first two lines of his address and at the same time he realises he has just heard his friends final words. He knows then that his life along with his children and wife will never be quite the same. With fear in his heart he grabs his children before dropping them with his family and racing to his wife. When he arrives at his wife Kathy’s place of work at a University he realises that something is very wrong. He isn’t alone and when faced with somebody with a knife he has no clue whether his wife is safe or if this person is out to kill him. He escapes the University but gets arrested by the police who think he is the killer. When he has finally persuaded the police to release him he begins to wonder if it was a wise move. He is worried that he and his family’s life are in serious danger but wonders how he can stop it from happening. We also meet the DI Bolt who is on the case and trying to work out what on earth is going on and who is responsible.

The book is so fast paced and thrilling that I literally couldn’t put it down. I had that feeling that I just HAD to keep reading.Fantastic book with all the right ingredients. Will definately be reading more of his stuff.

Daddy’s Girls by Tasmina Perry

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My Rating: 5/5

My Review: I decided to read this debut Novel by Tasmina Perry because the jacket description was appealing. I would describe it upon first glance as Chick Lit although later I think this theory will appear slightly incorrect.

Tasmina’s first novel features the Balcon sisters. Serena, Cate, Camilla and Venetia are used to a world where money can buy you anything but the four sisters are completely different. The four sisters all have different careers. Cate is a magazine editor, Camilla is a barrister, Venetia is a designer and Serena is the spoilt actress. The sisters all love each other despite their differences but all seem united in the one problem they all have, their father. Lord Oswald Balcon is never pleased, least of all with his daughters. When he is found dead one morning, the sisters decide to find out who is behind his murder. All four sisters have the motive, so is one of them the killer?

This book was in my opinion a great first novel. The thing is, you will either love this or hate it, and for me I definitely loved it. I am a fan of all things cheesy and this book is certainly along the Jackie Collins Genre of book. Although this is probably still considered Chick Lit I thought the storyline was well written and thorough. There are quite a few plotlines so you have to keep track of them all but for me the experience was thoroughly enjoyable. This is the sort of book that you can fully absorb yourself in. Highly recommended, especially for Jackie Collins fans. The only negative I can say is that Tasmina Perry only writes a book a year at the moment. In one respect I like the fact that she doesn’t just churn them out, but at the same token it means having to wait quite a while for a great book!

Rumour Has It by Jill Mansell

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Synopsis: When newly single Tilly Cole impulsively quits her London job for a fresh start in the small town of Roxborough she finds she’s arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue and rampant rivalry for the most desirable men. Tilly has no intention of joining in – she’s just happy with her new Girl Friday job. Then she meets Jack Lucas. Jack is irresistible… and he’s got his eye on Tilly. But there are shocking rumours about his wicked reputation. Tilly doesn’t want to be just another notch on anyone’s bedpost. But is she being mature and sensible – or is she running away from the love of her life?

Kat’s Rating: 5/5

Kat’s Review: The last book I read by JM was great, and I didnt think that her books could get any better. I was wrong! This story starts with Tilly walking home to find that Gavin her live in boyfriend has done a bunk. Moved out without so much as a backward glance. Although hurt (but slightly relieved) she visits her friend Erin in Roxborough to cheer herself up. Little does she know that this visit would change her life completely. She ends up applying for a “strange sounding” job advertised in the local rag and before she can blink has set up home in Roxborough and is thrown in to a whirlwind of a new life. The new life involves Max (the gay but formerly straight interior designer), his teenage daughter and Max’s best friend Jack. The story is funny and such a pleasure to read. The only thing I was dissapointed in was that I finished it too quickly. If you are a big Chick Lit fan you cannot get better than this so get yourself a copy.