Light, Camera, Murder by Nikki Haverstock

Lights, Camera, Murder by Nikki Haverstock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

General info

Aspiring other Melissa gets asked to take part in a reality show after one of the original cast members has been kicked out of the show. Things don't quite go as planned, and when she is accused of murder things really take a turn for the worse.

Things I liked

This was a quick and light read but there is still a bit of a mystery and some suspense. Melissa also goes through a lot and some important issues are discussed in the book. I like that this book also reminded me that it is important to do things you are passionate about in your life. Don't try to be something you are not.
The supporting characters are also interesting and I especially like Ryan a lot.

I don't think there is much negative to say about this book but my state of mind at the beginning might have affected my early experience with the book and the fact that I found the book to have a bit of a slow start.

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

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Strays by Eliza Marsh

Strays by Eliza Marsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jackie and Tyler are best friends who have been through more than most. When Tyler gets invited into the Red Kings MC, Jackie obviously follows and falls in love with the Vice President of the club.

I loved this book so much. I'm generally a fan of motorcycle club romances but this one is really nice and in a way it stands out. There isn't too much violence and it really focuses on the relationship between Dean and Jackie. There are some complicated things they face and this makes the book more interesting in my opinion. The supporting characters are also great and I would love to read their stories in the future as well.
The book ends in the most juicy cliffhanger so I really cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

* I got a free ARC from the author

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Kiss and Consume by Lynelle Barrett

Kiss and Consume by Lynelle Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Info

Abigail's parents are executed as vampires and she flees to the house of a local teacher. He is kind and he believes that she is innocent. A romance starts to build, but things are not quite as they seem and tragedy strikes.

Review

The book is a great read and there is twists and turns and nothing is ever certain. The unknowns causes people to be gruel and thirst for blood and that leads to a lot of unhappiness. I like the relationship between Abigail and Levi. It's full of love and trust and childlike learning.
The plot goes up and down and I feel like it had more potential than what it delivered. It is a good book, but I feel like it could have been more. Also, there are certain aspects of the plot that are a little bit hard to follow, like the case of the doctor's hatred and his past life with Elisabeth.
It is important to remember that this is a first in series so, of course, there has to be something left to the next books in the series.
All in all, I like this book, but there are parts that I did not like so much hence the four stars. I definitely want to read the next book in the series.

* ARC received from BookSirens

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Hexes and O's by Lisa Wells

Hexes and O's by Lisa Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remington has always been more or less alone. An orphan, never to be loved. When she inherits her dead best friend's house in the town they grew up in, things start to get weird.

I really enjoyed reading this book. There's a lot mystery in it, more than I expected before I started reading. All the supernatural events make this book constantly interesting and there is not one moment that you get bored. Of course, there is also the romance between Jason and Remington. The never ending be or not to be game they play. Add a little hexes and you've got Hexes and O's.
This is an interesting book and I really want to read the other books I the series as well. I love all of the residents in knotty and I can't wait to read what they get up to in the future.

All in all this is a great mixture of mystery, romance and supernatural beings. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm waiting eagerly to read the next book in the series.

* Free copy received from BookSirens

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The Semi-Royal by Fiona West

The Semi-Royal by Fiona West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhodie and Arron James travel to the unveiled for her research. They fall in love, they fight. They have to figure themselves first, to be able to function well together. Both have some deep unresolved issues that are not easy to face.

This is a lovely book like all of the books in the borderline chronicles. At first, I wasn't sure if I would like this book as much as I've liked the previous books, but when Arron and Rhodie get into the unveiled things turn more interesting. I also really like that this book includes some serious, real-life issues in it, like eating disorders and miscarriage. Even the royal life isn't perfect. The way these issues are discussed in the book makes you really think them through and I that makes the book a lot better.
The start is a little slow for me, but as soon as you get really into the book it is so, so good. Once again, Fiona West manages to make me lost in a fantasy world of princesses and handsome soldiers.

* ARC received from the author



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Trapped in Time by Denise Daye

Trapped in Time: A Modern-Historic Love Story by Denise Daye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

General info

A woman, Emma, is hit by a car and wakes up in 1881. She meets a poor prostitute and with her help, they come up with a plan that will help her get home. Of course, nothing is easy, especially when there is a handsome lord who shakes things up.

Things I liked

I loooooooove this book! It has the romance of Jane Austen novels, but the lightness of a modern day women's fiction. The plot is interesting from start to finish and there's not too much of the stuffy, socialising that you usually get in historical romances. Of course, there's also the whole time-travel thing which makes this book so much different from a typical historical romance. And I think that is why I enjoyed this book so much. Of course, it's not all hearts and roses and Emma faces a lot of misery on her journey. That is also why the book never gets boring. It has modern day problems in a historical setting. And of course, the ending is brilliant.

Conclusion

To me this book is amazing and I will probably read it again someday, just because it made me laugh and almost cry. It's not heavy even though it's a historical romance. It's constantly interesting and nothing is too easy for Emma. All in all, this book is brilliant and one of my all time favourites.

* A free copy of this book received from Book Sirens

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Ecstasy Unbound by Setta Jay

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info

Gods, goddesses and their offspring. Other immortal and supernatural beings. A love story with a great heroine and hot male warriors. They fight the never ending war between good and evil. Add in soulmates and everything turns more interesting. 

Things I liked

I really like this book. The plot is interesting, and it never gets boring. I like how romance and the relationship between Alex and Uri is on the frontline even though they are constantly fighting against evil. I also like that this is not a typical supernatural story with vampires and werewolves. This has gods, and Demi-gods who happen to have some animal sides to them. It's refreshing at least to me. 
I have always found the whole mate thing to be nice and romantic and I really like the way it is presented here. Just makes me wish us humans had the one forever mate too. 

Conclusion

There was nothing negative that comes to mind now. All in all, this book is great and I can't wait to keep reading more in the series. I wish all the guardians have as interesting stories as this one is.

So Lucky by Dawn O'Porter

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info

Four different ladies, all connect together in some way. All have their flaws, their insecurities and problems. Everybody else seems to think their lives are perfect. One wedding brings them together and changes their lives drastically. 

Things I liked

The characters of this book are spectacular. They are all different, but strong women. They struggle in their lives, but other people seem to think their lives are perfect. They face their issues and they overcome them. 
The plot of this book is also really, really good. It keeps you guessing, but still it gives you hints of what's about to happen. It also really opened my eyes to think about other people, ordinary or famous people in the moment when I'm judging them. No life is perfect and things may not always be as they seem. Instagram gives you an entirely made up version of what is really going on, most of the time at least. And this book really made me realise that. That is why I truly, love this book. 

All in all, this book is amazing and it keeps you grounded. Women are strong, but every time you judge someone based on your beliefs, you might be hurting them more than you think. 

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

The Jinxed Journalist by Fiona West

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info

Captain Saint is the communications officer for King Edward. When journalist Brooke steps into the picture to expose scandal about the king, things start to happen. Things take a turn when Saint becomes Brooke's son's mentor. They start to care about each other, but they face even more problems when the king forbids them from dating. 

Things I liked

It is really nice to have a story about Captain Saint. He is one of the supporting characters in the first two books, but it is really nice to hear his story as well. The story was is easy and quick to read. It is nice that you still know most of the characters, so the story is easy to follow if you have read those. The love story itself is beautiful. It's not easy for them but that makes it more beautiful in my opinion. 

All in all, I loved the story. The characters are great. The story is beautiful. It is easy to follow and it never gets boring. 

* Free copy received from Book Sirens for an honest review

The Un-queen by Fiona West

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info

The story of King Edward and Abbie continues. The war might be over, but not all people are happy about it. Especially when Abbie has announced that she won't take the place of a queen. The are constantly fighting the odds while trying to plan a wedding. 

Things I liked

I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. It's a beautiful story and it's even more romantic than the first book. Abbie and King Edward are now in love and fighting the fight together. The characters are still interesting and complex and I like that the supporting characters have their own little stories within the book even if it focuses on Abbie and King Edward. I'm truly happy that they get their happy ending. 

All in all, this is a lovely story and for me this was even better than the first book in the series. I can't wait to keep on reading the series. 

*Free copy of the book received from Book Sirens for an honest review

The Ex-Princess by Fiona West

Stars: ★★★★★

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General Info

A runaway princess is forced to return home to say goodbye to her dying father and to try and get out of her marriage contract. There's also an award for her capture so she has to stay hidden while traveling. Her fiancé joins her at her journey and together they travel and get to know each other again.

Things I liked

I think I like everything in this book. The story is an amazing page-turner and there's not one moment that the book gets boring. The adventure they are on has twists and turns and it never gets too easy. It also keeps you on your toes at all times and I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next. 
The characters are complex, interesting and realistic. The princess is not perfect and they don't fall in love at first sight. The characters are also funny and there were times where I was laughing out loud.

All in all, I loved this book! I love that there is a happy ending and that it was not easy for them to reach it. It is a beautiful and interesting adventure with a hint of romance in the mix.

* Free copy of this book received from Book Sirens for an honest review 

Boy Band Boyfriend by Leigh Ban

Stars: ★★★★★

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Dana and Gusun meet during summer classes in college. They start working together in a project and fall in love. Gusun, however, is a member of a famous k-pop band Undone and that causes some unexpected problems for their blooming love. 

Things I liked

First off, I'm not familiar with K-pop or Korean culture so I can't really relate to that part of the book, but I'm a 90's kid so I grew up with the Backstreet boys so I guess in a way I can compare these together. In that sense this book is great. It gives Gusun, a k-pop star so much depth and it makes him feel like an ordinary human and I really like him. I love stories where a extraordinary guy falls in love with an ordinary girl. And this is exactly that. 
The plot is great too. It doesn't move too quick or stay in place for too long. There's always such great things happening and I enjoyed reading this book throughout the book. 
Additionally, the love story itself is beautiful and I really truly, loved it. 

I have to say I cannot think of any things that I did not like in this book. 

Conclusion

All in all, this book was a great, quick read. It was a ordinary love story with a extraordinary twists. And a boyband hottie. I really enjoyed the book and I would not mind reading other books in the series 

* ARC received from BookSirens for an honest review

Long Live Dead Reckless by Safari Spell

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info

Talor is an ordinary girl with a job, sick father and a dead mother. Until Sage turns up. After that unexplainable things start to happen. It’s a love story with a lot of twists and turns and a lot of danger.

Things I liked 

I have to say I loved everything. The story is beautiful and it has so much happening in it, it never gets boring. There is drama, love and friendship. There is fallen angels and supernatural beings. 
I really love the characters and how strong they are. This story isn’t a typical romance either and although it is sad, it’s still refreshing. 
I also like the way vampires are presented in this book. Vampires are the children of the fallen angels and that to me is a brilliant perspective. 

I don’t really think there is anything I did not like. Spencer’s fate is something I hate and something I’m still confused about, but other than that, this story is perfect to me. 

Conclusion

Long live dead reckless is a beautiful love story with a supernatural twist. Interesting and refreshing. I just love, love, love it! 

* Free copy received from Book Sirens for an honest review

Taken by A.L. Long

Stars: ★★★★

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General info

The third instalment in the Last Chance series. Lanie and Roman are finally back together, but a sadistic man is after Lanie and wants revenge on Roman. They manage to somehow stay together, but nothing is as good as it seems.

Things I liked 

This is the best book in the series so far. I enjoyed it and it is easy to follow and it keeps you hooked until the end. The characters are interesting and I feel they have evolved a lot from the beginning of the series. I think there is a good amount of suspense and romance in this book, and somehow it flows better than the first two books. 

Things I did not like

The ending for sure. Once again, a book in the series ends in a serious cliffhanger and this totally leaves the reader horrified. Other than that, I feel that this book has a lot more positive sides than the two books before it. 

Conclusion

All in all, this is a good and interesting book. It's really quick to read and the suspense and romance are in balance. There's no chance to feel bored when reading this book. So far, this is the best book in the series hands down. 

* I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens for a review

Slaved by A.L. Long

Stars: ★★★

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General info 

This continues from where the first book, Bought, ended. Lanie gets taken back by her previous master and sold to another in a matter of hours. Roman searches for her and makes a deal with her other master to train her together. 

Things I liked 

Well, it continues the story of Bought so it was nice to be able to get some closure. It’s an interesting story even if moves on really fast all the time. 

Things I did not like 

Once again this has great potential but it doesn’t follow through. I like the story but it’s too fast temped and a lot happens in short time. In a way, I like this better than I liked the first book but once again it ends in a cliffhanger and I have to read the next book in the series to really find out how the story ends. 

Conclusion

A good but with great potential but it doesn’t completely follow through. Interesting story line, good characters and a cliffhanger ending. 

* I received a free copy of this book from Book Sirens for a review

How to Seduce a Billionaire by Portia Da Costa

Stars: ★★★★★

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General info 

Jess and Ellis meet accidentally in the pouring rain. This starts a fling they both think will only last a few moments. They face their ups and downs whilst also trying to fight falling in love. 

Things I liked 

I absolutely love the idea of the story. I just wish my Dream Lover would show up and whisk me away. The story never gets boring and I was hooked until the end. I certainly hoped that Jess and Ellis would get their happy ending. They really deserve it.
I also love the characters. Jess is a 29-year old virgin, which on its own is unusual. She is a woman who has put everything on hold to take care of her nan and now that she is gone, is still trying to find her way back to her life. 
Ellis has lost everything important to him. He’s a kind man, he’s not too domineering or forceful. He’s a lovely man altogether but he cannot get over his dead family. Let’s just say he is very different from the typical billionaire characters and I really liked that. 

Conclusion

As a whole, I really truly love this book. It is a beautiful story with a happy ending and I’m so happy that I found this book and got to enjoy it. The story is beautiful and I recommend it from the bottom of my heart. 

* ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

Bought by A.L. Long

Stars: ★★★

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General info

A girl has been held captive and a sex slave for 15 years. Then a buyer comes in and her live turns for the better. 

Things I liked 

The book is quite good, it is an interesting story. As a novella it’s extremely quick to read 

Things I did not like

Even though the book and story are interesting, it somehow feels a bit unpolished. In a way it feels like it is a first draft and I would have liked it to have something more. Also, I’m not a big fan on cliffhanger books and this is exactly it.

Conclusion

All in all, this is an okay book. I like the story, but it is very simple and I would have like some more depth in the characters and the plot too. 

* Free copy received for review from BookSirens 

Polite Society by Mahesh Rao

Stars: ★★★

More info

Pre-order here

Book will be published on August, 20th, 2019

General info

A story about the lives of rich people in India. It is said to be a rerepresentation of Jane Austen's Emma. I have not yet finished Emma so I cannot confirm a hundread proecent. The story of Ania who tries to fiddle in the lovelives of everybody else and forgets her own. A story of love, despair and how money does not always make life easier or happier. You could almost say money does the opposite. 

Things I liked

I enjoyed that throughout the whole story, there is Ania, who playes a part in all the other characters' lives. And I liked that I got to follow the lives of so many interesting people. I also feel that it really portrays lives of reach people in a realistic way. There is events that could happen in reality and there are problems that people could actually face. I also think, and this may make me a horrible person, that it is very refreshing that not all the characters live happily ever after.

Things I did not like so much

To me, the story was interesting but it was still a bit boring. I also sometimes had a hard time following the plot. For me, although the book gets more interesting toward the end, the ending on its own is just plain weird and very sudden. There are things to be said in my opinion and not all characters get their ending. They simply just exists. 

Conclusion

All in all, it is a book that left me feeling conflicted. I both like it and dislike it if that is even possible. I guess I will have to finish Emma now to see if they really are similar. I would say you have to read the book to really know if it's worth reading.

* ARC received through the publisher via First to Read Scheme 

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

Stars: ★★★★★

More info from Goodreads

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Publishing date September, 3rd, 2019

General info 

Annabelle is a poor girl from the countryside who gets into the first female college at Oxford university. She’s actively trying to get government to give women the vote.
Then there is Duke of Montgomery. He’s all about duty and when he meets Annabelle, his life turns upside down. They go through ups and downs when they face the expectations of the society and other obstacles. This is a beautiful story about real love and soul mates. 

Things I liked

I have to say I really like the poor country girl and a rich duke set up a lot. It might be a bit cliche but not in a historical romance usually. I also really like the characters and especially Annabelle. She’s strong, inspiring and clever. And I appreciate Montgomery too. He’s brilliant and in the end he does the right thing. 

Things I didn’t like 

At least right now, there’s nothing I could say that I didn’t like. Well certain characters but I guess that’s a given with any book and that’s good thing really. 

Conclusion

All in all, this book is great. It has strong characters, a beautiful plot and it truly shows the type of life women had in the past. The happy ending truly was just the cherry on top. 

* ARC received from the publisher through First to Read scheme

The Second-Worst Restaurant in France by Alexander McCall Smith

Stars: ★★★★

More info here

Pre-order here

 

 

The book will be published July 16th, 2019

General info

Paul is a successful food writer who struggles with a little bit of a writer’s blog. Then cousin Chloe comes into the picture and offers him a chance to spend some time in the French countryside to try and get past the writer’s blog. This is the start of an interesting, a little bit funny and a very heartfelt story.

Things I liked

It was an interesting story as a whole but there are certain aspects that are especially to my liking. I especially like the people living in the village. I also really like Chloe’s character. She is a very interesting woman and she makes the story more interesting really.

Things I did not like

The beginning in my opinion is a bit slow and I was a bit doubtful if I would actually enjoy the book. It turns out it gets a lot better as the story goes on. Another part was the ending. To me it felt like it ended a little bit too soon but maybe there’s going to be another book soon that continues this book.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed this book. It is interesting an interesting story and it lifted my spirits whenever I was reading it. It has a happy ending and all in all it’s a very heartfelt story.

* ARC received from the publisher through First to Read