The Lie

Title: The Lie
Author: C.L. Taylor
Type: Paperback
Read: 25th February - 28th February 2016
Rating: 5/5
Published: 23rd April 2015 by Avon: Harper Collins UK

Best friends are there for each other through thick and thin. You trust them with your life. At least that’s what Emma, Daisy, Leanne and Al think. But all that changes when they embark on a trip of a lifetime together. When they return home, only two of them are left alive and the group has been torn apart by lies and deception.

Many years later, when the dust has settled and life has moved on, one girl receives a threatening letter. Someone knows the truth about what happened on that holiday and will stop at nothing to expose it …

What a book. This got me gripped from the get-go. I love books that don't want me to put them down. It's addicting, faced pace, its scary at times and you really want to throttle characters at others.

This is the first book I've read by Cally Taylor. I've had this on my shelf for a while and wanted something to get me out of feeling blah with reading this month. Well this book certianly did it.

We meet Jane, who works in an animal sanctuary. She loves her job and her new relationship Will. Everything is going good. But when a mysterious letter appears at Janes work, stating only "I know your name's not really Jane Hughes' it sets off a rollercoaster of emotions and flashbacks for Jane. Her past, the one she's changed her name from Emma to Jane to escape is back to haunt her. And it's not going to stop until it gets her.

The story is from Janes point of view and switches between the present day, with her trying to work out who is intent on making her relive the past. And then Jane/Emma of five years previous and we find out what made Emma change her name.

This book is messed up. It really plays on your mind. You feel so sorry for past Emma and her friend Ali, and you really can't work out whats going to happen. There are so many people you shouldn't trust that it made me wonder how they were ever going to get out. I really admired Emma's bravery and her determination to survive. I think she was the strongest of the four girls even though two of them didn't think she was worth much.

You will be on the edge of your seats trying to figure out who is back from the past after Jane. I really couldn't work it out as Cally threw in a few other characters to make you think its them.

It's an action packed book, that messes with your mind in the best way possible! I really can't wait to get reading other books by this author. She's fab!  

Go Get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery
Follow @callytaylor 

 

Animal Farm

Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Type: Paperback
Read: 22nd February - 24th February 2016
Rating: 4/5
Published: 1st September 2000 by Penguin Books
(originally released 17th August 1945)

Tired of their servitude to man, a group of farm animals revolt and establish their own society, only to be betrayed into worse servitude by their leaders, the pigs, whose slogan becomes: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This 1945 satire addresses the socialist/communist philosophy of Stalin in the Soviet Union.

Classic books and me aren't a good mix. I get bored because everything goes over my head. But this book, is bloody fantastic. Putting the likes of animals in place instead of humans, makes you retrain your mind to think differently. To view and understand things in aways you might not think you can.

I thought it very clever portraying politics through animals. It was kind of like a crazy circle, where the animals successfully overthrow the humans and start to control themselves. But slowly and sneakily some don't realise, that they're going back to their old ways. But instead of humans controlling then, its now the evil pigs. Very clever indeed.

There isn't loads to say about this book except read it.

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

Go Get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery 

 

You Sent Me a Letter

Title: You Sent Me a Letter
Author: Lucy Dawson
Type: Paperback
Read: 18th February - 21st February 2016
Rating: 3/5
Published: 3rd March 2016 by Corvus

What if your worst enemy found out your darkest secret?
At 2 a.m. on the morning of her 40th birthday, Sophie wakes to find an intruder in her bedroom. The intruder hands Sophie a letter and issues a threat: open the letter at her party that evening, in front of family and friends, at exactly 8 p.m., or those she loves will be in grave danger.

What can the letter possibly contain?

This will be no ordinary party; Sophie is not the only person keeping a secret about the evening ahead. When the clock strikes eight, the course of several people's lives will be altered forever.

I was lucky enough to recieve a copy from Corvus in exchange for a review. I did like the build up to this book. A few days before I had recieved what seemed like a wedding invite through the post. I had to try and convince people it was book related and that I knew no-one of the name Sophie and Mark. The book arrived a few days afterwards.

The premis of the book is surrounding Sophie who on the eve of her birthday awakes to find someone in her room. They hand her an envelope and says to read it at 8pm under the clock with everyone listening. If Sophie tells anyone about the letter, then her family will suffer.
What sophie doesn't realise is that although its her 40th birthday party, it will be her wedding day to, thanks to her partner Mark. Who has planned it all without her knowledge.

I really did like the idea of the story line. I wanted to know what was in the letter and who actually was sending it to Sophie. Then we get all the mysterious text's, calls and stuff and it's does boarder on freaky.

At times though the story seemed to take forever to get somewhere. Sophie confessed to her younger sister of something she did and could only begin to think that as the reason she's being blackmailed. I loved her younger sister. She was fab. At times I didn't really like Sophies partner, Mark. He seemed so full on, and that even when I got to the end, I was still so unsure of ever liking him at all.

For me, the book got much better towards the end. I know some people could see who the blackmailer was. I totally had no clue. I wasn't suspecting this character at all. Which is why i enjoyed the end so much. It picked up pace and I needed to know more.

The main downside for me was the ending. I still have no idea how or why Mark did what he did with the children. I think to me, that was the part that didn't make sense. I did want the blackmailer to get their karma though.

A good read, but perhaps could have been given a little more umph!

Go Get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery
Follow @lucydawsonbooks

Illumicrate - Unboxed #2

February finally brought the second issue of Illumicrate. I recieved my box early last week and wanted to hold off putting anything online except the box to avoid others who'd not yet recieved theirs being spoilt. 

What i like most about Illumicrate is that you never know what to expect. I avoid or miss any tweets that may provide hints of which supplier is adding items. I love the element of surprise, especially when its mixed with books. This quarters box didn't dissapoint. It kinda beat the first one.

So what was inside...

1. Truthwitch - Susan Dennard
1. & Signed Bookplate and Postcard
2. Bookcase Pouch by Elena Illustration
3. Love Boat bookmarks by BeeDoo
4. A Darker Scent of Magic Candle by Simple Candle Co.
5. Bookish Quote Pencils by Pobble and Ping
6. Threadsisters Book Mark by Day Dream Designs
7. Extras from: The It Girl & Dark Days Club

I've not read TruthWitch at all, although I have heard plently of good things about it. So it should be a great read. I'm a huge fan of book marks and candles so it was a win-win for me. This box certianly made me glad i stayed signed up for it. I'll be leaving it for the full year so i can see what the next two boxes are like. 

It's not a subscription box to be missed!

Do Not Disturb

Title: Do Not Disturb (Deanna Madden #2)
Author: A.R. Torre
Type: Paperback
Read: 7th February - 17th February
Rating: 5/5
Published: 30th July 2015 by Orion

1. Don't leave the apartment.
2. Never let anyone in.
3. Don't kill anyone.

The rules were simple and I broke them.
Now I must face the consequences.
Everyone else must face me.

This is the second book in the Deanna Madden series, I loved the first so much and had very high hopes this story would be just as great.

Deanna is still working as a cam girl, she's still making money via that route. The only difference now is that she occasionally leaves the appartment. Always back though before Simon locks the doors at night. We see Deanna's and Jeremy's relationship grow, even though at times Deanna tries to pull back. She doesn't want Jeremy to get hurt.

This book is much more fast paced that the other. It's also a lot more gory, not in the sex sense, but in the crime, Deannas thirst for blood. Through camming Deanna comes across a variety of people, some that want to cross the lines. One to cross that line is Marcus, who swiftly gets blocked from most of the features avaliable to Deanna. Marcus is a guy you dont' mess with, you don't say no to. He says something and you jump. So imaging being turned down by the stunning Jessica Reily (Deanna's online persona), it doesn't go down well. Someone will suffer, someone will beg to stop.

I loved this book so much. I liked that we learn more about Jeremy and Deanna together. And we also find out much more about Mike, who is Deanna's saving grace online, he protects her virtually. And together they make a good team.

The book gets fast and you are constantly on the edge of your seat, wanting to know more and not know anything because it can't be good surely? We see things through everyones eyes, Deanna's, Mike, Jeremy and Marcus, which works wonders. You can really get close to each of these characters.

Like I said, this book is alot more gory that 'Girl in 6E' but it works. We need to realise that Deanna is made to kick ass whenever the time comes. As a character, i think she's so complex, there are so many layers that we're slowing being revealed them all.

I LOVED the ending, i wanted it so much. Although I'm so freaked out what 'If You Dare' entails!  

Go Get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery
Follow @ReadAlessandra

Cover Reveal: Mean Sisters

Two cover reveals, in two days! Yes, you lucky things! 

Mean Sisters by Lindsay Emory

Released 17th March 2016

The ONLY way to describe this book is a cross between Mean Girls and Legally Blonde, and how do you not want to read that? 

Look how amazing this cover is!

A sassy, hilariously funny murder mystery where the closest bonds of friendship might just kill you…!

Margot Blythe is a twenty-something year old who can’t seem to let her college glory days go. After all, everyone deserves a family of ‘sisters’ like she had. When she’s invited to speak at her alma mater, her homecoming reception isn’t exactly what she expected. Tragedy strikes and Margot has to step up, especially when foul play is suspected.

She’s going to save her fifty frazzled ‘sisters’, keep the suspicious (but dangerously cute) police officer at bay and find out the truth – could a sister have committed such an unimaginable sin as murder?

Margot is going to learn the real bond of sisterhood and maybe, just maybe, discover where she truly belongs.

Pre Order from: Amazon UK 

Follow: @Lindsay_Emory 

Cover Reveal: The Girl Who Walked In Shadows

Check out the cover for the third book by the ever talented Marnie Richies

Whether you've read any books from her The Girl Who series, you should definitely get ready for this one. It's fast, it's furious, it's full-on, and it's PHENOMENAL!

Released 31st March 2016!

 

Europe is in the grip of an extreme Arctic blast and at the mercy of a killer, who leaves no trace. His weapons of choice are razor-sharp icicles. This is Jack Frost.

Now a fully qualified criminologist, Georgina McKenzie is called upon by the Dutch police to profile this cunning and brutal murderer. Are they looking for a hit man or a frenzied serial-killer? Could there be a link to a cold missing persons’ case that George had worked with Chief Inspector Paul van den Bergen – two abducted toddlers he could never quite give up on?

The hunt for Jack Frost sparks a dangerous, heart-rending journey through the toughest neighbourhoods in Europe, where refugees and Romani gypsies scratch a living on the edge of society. Walking into the dark, violent world of a trans-national trafficking ring, can George outrun death to shed light on two terrible mysteries?

Pre Order from: Amazon UK 

Follow: @Marnie_Riches

Her

Title: Her
Author: Harriet Lane
Type: Paperback
Read: 4th February - 6th February 2016
Rating: 3/5
Published: 1st January 2015 by Weidenfield & Nicolson

Two women; two different worlds.

Emma is a struggling mother who has put everything on hold. Nina is sophisticated and independent - entirely in control.

When the pair meet, Nina generously draws Emma into her life. But this isn't the first time the women's paths have crossed. Nina remembers Emma and she remembers what Emma did.

But what exactly does Nina want from her? And how far will she go in pursuit of it?

I ignored the really low rating of this book on goodreads, I picked up because i was loving the bright colour of the book. It really does demand your attention. So i listened.

The book tells of two people, Emma and Nina. They know one another, although Emma doesn't remember Nina at all. Nina however remembers Emma and she remembers what she did.

That alone made me want to read this book, it seemed very psychological thriller, I wanted to know what brough these two together and what had happened in the past. The book is told through chapters from each Emma and Nina. Sometimes it went over the same thing just from the other characters view. Occasionally bringing through hints of the past with Nina.

I liked the premise of the book, it really should have worked. There was just a few things wrong for me. The speed of the book, it took forever to get somewhere and when it did, it still felt so flat. Then the ending. That ending was just wrong. On every level. It never made sense at all. Not one bit. I don't care exactly what Emma did in the past (i still don't think it was major!), but no one with a motherly bone in their body would have even considered allowing that to happen.

I think Emma was just a mum caught up in having a new friend, (even tho she knew her once before) and Nina just needed to grow up and move on. She was crazily obssessed with Emma to the point she should have been locked up.

A really good basis for the story and the cover stands out, i just think at times, the author wanted it to be much more dramatic which didn't work. 

Go Get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery
Follow @HarrietLane_

You, Me & Other People

Title: You, Me & Other People
Author: Fionnuala Kearney
Type: Paperback
Read: 28th January - 3rd February 2016
Rating: 3/5
Published: 18th June 2015 by Harper

THEY SAY EVERY FAMILY HAS SKELETONS IN THEIR CLOSET . . .

But what happens when you open the door and they won’t stop tumbling out? For Adam and Beth the first secret wasn’t the last, it was just the beginning.

You think you can imagine the worst thing that could happen to your family, but there are some secrets that change everything. And then the question is, how can you piece together a future when your past is being rewritten?

I really really wanted to like this book and I did, just not as much as I had hoped for.
The book is centred around Adam and Beth. A couple who have recently seperated due to Adams cheating once again on Beth. The story is told through chapters from each Beth and Adam. Often retelling the sceen from the others view point.

I adored Beth. She was a cracking character, a song writer who hoped to have that one big hit. But with recently throwing Adam out, she's angry and upset. Her writing is probably at its best. She's also got her daughter to think of Meg, who loves both her parents and would do anything for them to get back together.

Adam just annoyed me. I dont' want to say he's a typical bloke because thats unfair on all men. But he needed his bits chopping off. He had a rough childhood, fine. But thats not reason for you to use as an excuse to justify cheating on your wife. Not just once, twice.

But as with every relationship, there are secrets, Adam has plenty. How does he get through it all when his world around him is not going to plan. In order to survive the truth, all of it, must come out. No matter the consequences. But that will tear the family apart more.

The thing is, if Adam wasn't such an idiot and took responsibility from the start, I might have liked him a little. But he didn't and therefore I don't.

Like I said, Beth was a great character, especially when paired upw ith her friend Karen or when she was jaunting off to LA. I routed for her from the start.

A good book, but just wasn't something I enjoyed sadly.
The cover however, is striking, I think its' why i brough the book. It stood out.
Go Get it From: Amazon UK | Book Depository | Waterstones | Wordery
Follow @fionnualatweets

January Wrap Up & Book Haul

I've had such a good reading month in January. As much as I set out to read a certain number of books a year, the geek who works in accounts within me, works out how many books I then should read a month. To hit the target of 60, it worked out to be five a month. Now I know come summer, thats going to reduce and there is one book I am holding out to read this year, if i have the courage to do so.

But this month I'm well on my way to hitting that target of 60 with 8 books read. I made a teeny dent in my TBR pile, with only one book which wasn't a part of that originally.

Eight books. No author duplicated, four paperbacks and four hardbacks. The newest eddition was 'The Trouble with Goats & Sheep' - it arrived early and I wanted to read it badly!

Total pages read: 3,123 

My favourite was Carry On & Goats & Sheep. Both books matched the hype surrounding them. I want more from both authors.. although Rainbow Rowell does have a mini book out for World Book Day. I shall be on the search for it!

I did also buy books.. but I'm sorting out my shelves to donate those I know I won't read again.

- Nymphs - Sari Luhtanen - Rec'd from BookBridgr

- The Art of Being Normal - Lisa Williamson - Signed from Maximumpopbooks

- The Good Luck of Rigth Now - Matthew Quick

- The Trouble with Goats & Sheep - Joanna Cannon

I loved Goats & Sheep and I really do recommend this book. Its just amazing. I've heard alot of great things about The Art of Being Normal so thats going to be read soon and Nymphs just caught my attention. It probably isn't my normal read but sometimes its great to branch out to new genres. So i'm looking forward to reading it in February.

Finally...

Today i got some interesting book mail...

#yousentmealetter

Watch this space.