Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton

3/5 ☆ New Location. Still underwhelmed.

This book takes us to see Micha's family after he is infected with what is referred to as "Zombie Disease" and is dying. 

Anita, Michah and Nathaniel go so Michah can say goodbye and make peace with his family. But as we all could see coming Anita gets caught up in the investigation and ruffles more than few feathers.

I liked that this book contained more of a storyline. I loved that Edward comes in to help as face it more destruction must ensue when he pops up. 

However, I still felt bit underwhelmed with the writing. Definitely an improvement from last few books though.

Hopefully the series can continue to get better and revert to more like the beginning of the series.

By Claire

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

Thrilling read!

I have only read 1 other Sarah J. Maas book before this although have started and have more on my list.

With this I knew I wanted to read straight away and got an excerpt of the first 5 chapters early. After devouring that I had to wait two and a bit weeks for this to be released.

It focuses on a half human half fae Bryce. She's a great character in fact they all were. I was invested from the beginning in the story. I just had to know more.

That's why even though a longer book I still read in less than 2 days. I was definitely worth it for those not keen on something as long please give it a try. It definitely didn't feel like it was. 

A high recommendation from me that's for sure for anyone interested in paranormal, fantasy books will be given.

I can't wait to see what rest of the series brings after this thrilling opener.

By Claire 

Untouchable by Sam Marino

Read the warnings!

This was my first bully romance for a while and the first few chapters were a shock to the system. It did take a little longer for me to get into this book and I am glad stuck with it.

However it is not for the faint hearted. Sam also gives this a warning before you start because there is definitely triggers in it so won't be for everyone. 

Although the beginning was hard to take I found incredibly written and well developed characters so that helped me to keep going. 

Once into the book it continues in a bully fashion. Although you find out more bout Carter (the main man) he doesn't suddenly start being nice or respecting Zoey's wishes which I liked in a way. 

This isn't because in real life I would want this or recommend it in a relationship. It is due to some books having a bully miraculously change so quick I'm left dizzy.

This would be a love it or hate it I think. So please do consider that before reading. For those interested in these types of books and who wouldn't be put off by starting with sexual assault and Carter's ongoing dark nature though I would highly recommend.

By Claire 

Conduct in "A Minor" by S. G. Smith

I'm in two minds.

I'm really split in my thoughts on this book so have took some time to think on it and still no clear decision. 

The book is about a young teenager (Savannah) who has been orphaned and forced onto the streets. She is attacked by group of men and saved by a doctor (Issac) who takes her home to clean her up.

He though has lost his family and has secrets. So you are left wondering wither Savannah has found herself in more danger.

Here's my problem, I did enjoy the book the synopsis and idea of the book had me so excited. 

However, I felt there was so much missing. I didn't really get to know the characters that well. Also the pace was bit slower and not as much tension as I would have liked.

The ending means it is all wrapped up and your questions are answered which I love. I even liked what where the story lead to. I just feel there was something else missing. 

I would still recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction and a little mystery.

By Claire 

Kiss The Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton

Book 21 and can't seem to stop myself reading.

I took a little break from the Anita Blake series and managed to forget why. It didn't take me long to remember. I loved the beginning of this series so much but it really got so repetitive and focused nearly solely on Anita's multiple partners. Oh and her complaining about them and how much hard work it is.

This one did have the bonus of first half of the book being out of the bedroom and focusing on US Marshall Blake's case of missing teenager.

I still like Zebrewski and Anita's work relationship in this too as he makes me laugh. However it soon ends up back to love life which is fine in some ways except for the repetitiveness and whining.

I don't know why I can't stop myself from  reading but know there will be more to come for me. But it's not something I would necessarily recommend without warning folk about first. 

By Claire 

Beauty by Laurell K. Hamilton

A let down for me.

This is a short outtake book with too high a cost. Wasn't worth it for me at all.

By time get passed the book n publisher information and the extra excerpt from the next book, Kiss The Dead, there is barely 20 pages of book that was easily read in under 15 minutes.

I was expecting a steamy threesome scene but really there was so much repeats of descriptions and same words along with Anita stopping for too much whiney thinking that this was pointless book.

By time got to any actual sexual interaction I was too bored to care.

With charging for it was definitely expecting more even for free I don't think would really recommend to anyone I'm sorry to say.

By Claire 

All About Us by Tom Ellen

A Bit of Christmas Carol with a Twist.

I love the premise of this book of looking at our past decisions. With a mix of romance, sadness, laughter and some serious questions that come to mind Tom Ellis has greatly written  these moments.

In the case it's done regarding main character, Ben's relationship with wife Daphne. 

How do we really know we ended up with the right person? 

Well after 10 years Ben is wondering what would have happened if he had got with Alice instead of Daphne. His life now definitely isn't what he wants. So he is gifted a watch at pub one Christmas Eve to find himself whisked into the past to key moments of his life.

I enjoyed seeing Ben recognise things in his past that he had forgotten or missed. I think we all do this after a while or memories aren't 100% we see what we want.

Ben however as a character did get on my nerves a bit but from the writing and way author had set this up I think that's the point. It certainly didn't make me want to stop reading.

It was a lovely quick thought inducing book with some great humor in it. This helped alleviate the sadder n more serious topics. 

Would recommend to others to give it a go and would definitely read more by the author in the future.

By Claire

The Abstainer by Ian McGuire

Police novel with a revenge twist.

Slightly different read for me with this historical fiction. It starts in Manchester 1860s with the death of 3 Irish Fenians. 

Police officer James O'Connor is trying to help the Manchester police force uncover any more Fenian plans of attack in the area. However, he also isn't trusted or respected by the other officers with being Irish himself.

O'Connor's isn't necessarily a likeable character at the beginning. He seems a bit standoffish and it's not until you learn more about his history that you can understand his darker mood. 

It certainly kept me interested and felt it was a well wrote and even paced. I did however not feel the ending was to my liking and felt a bit dissatisfied with it. 

That being said it was a nice change and certainly worth a read.

Due out 30th April 2020

By Claire 

Found Her by NJ Mackay

Gripping and unexpected plot.

Belle disappeared 10 years when walking home from school with her sister Eve. No one was expecting her to be found now least of all her sister. 

Eve has been feeling so guilty about not paying attention to her sister the day Belle went missing. Her anxiety has been bad ever since and she struggle with relationships. 

Eve has been self destructing for years. I love how this is written as it pulls back the layers of the characters gradually. 

Eve isn't a particularly likeable character but that doesn't make you want to put it down. 

When Belle is found she is in a coma so that she can't just tell us what happened to her. With the extra pressure of her sister being back Eve is about to self destruct. Only Detective Locke might be able to stop her and keep her from danger.

I found this to be a fast paced book that built in suspense. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat. 

There are many twist and turns in the story where the kidnapper could be anyone. I had a vague idea where it was going but still swapped and changed my mind about a hundred times. 

The writing was amazing and was my first book by the author. I know she has others so they will be going on my To Be Read list that's for sure.

Those who love a good psychological thriller definitely make time to read. Highly recommended. 

By Claire