Book Review - Rival by Jacqui Rose - #HolidayReading Malta

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Amazon UK

Title: Rival

Author: Jacqui Rose

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 6th August 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

AS THE OLD SAYING GOES…

Franny Doyle has one thing in common with Wan Huang, head of the notorious Triads gang: they both want Vaughn Sadler six feet under.

 

KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE

When Harry Jacobs brings Vaughn into his business and his fold, his life is protected – for now.

 

AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER

But when Franny finds out the truth about Wan and Harry’s dark dealings, all hell breaks loose in Soho. And Vaughn is the key to helping Franny with the score she now has to settle Together with Alfie Jennings, they were once a formidable trio. But can bitter enemies once again become allies? Because in a life of crime – no one lets bygones be bygones…

 

THREE GANGSTERS. TWO FUNERALS. ONE LAST OPPORTUNITY FOR REVENGE.

I'm sorry but Jacqui Rose, you can't just leave a book there, and expect us to wait for the next one - I want more and I want it now!

Can you possibly tell that I loved this book?

If you have been reading my reviews for a while you will know that this isn't' typically the sort of crime book I'd go for, but yet I'm actually hooked on the author and the series. 

I needed my latest fix of Vaughan, Frankie and Aflie, and to see just what mess they would get themselves into this time. 

Running alongside that there are a multitude of other storylines, including one that made me really feel for all the young girls involved in it, including Ellie, who is a bit of a prick, but at the same time doesn't deserve to be in the situations she finds herself in. 

This is fast paced, keeps you on your toes, you never know who may double cross who as its a world where loyalty rarely exists and on the whole everyone is out for themselves. 

I would love to see Jacqui Rose's books made into a TV series, as they really do have a bit of everything. 

Now bring on the next book already, I need more! 

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Sleepless by Louise Mumford

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Amazon UK

Title: Sleepless

Author: Louise Mumford

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 10th December 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Don’t close your eyes. Don’t fall asleep. Don’t let them in.

Thea is an insomniac; she hasn’t slept more than three hours a night for years.

So when an ad for a sleep trial that promises to change her life pops up on her phone, Thea knows this is her last chance at finding any kind of normal life.

Soon Thea’s sleeping for longer than she has in a decade, and awakes feeling transformed. So much so that at first she’s willing to overlook the oddities of the trial – the lack of any phone signal; the way she can’t leave her bedroom without permission; the fact that all her personal possessions are locked away, even her shoes.

But it soon becomes clear that the trial doesn’t just want to help Thea sleep. It wants to control her sleep…

An unputdownable, gripping psychological thriller for fans of The One, Behind Her Eyes and Girl A!

Wow, how on earth is that a debut, it's fantabulous! 

I was hooked rather early on and when I sat down to read more at around the half way point, well 90 mins later and I finished it and nothing would have been able to attract my attention. 

I'd been worried that this may make me jumpy and sleepless, but I slept well last night and hopefully it won't affect me tonight as the technology featured in this book is mindblowing.  If it exists, or should that be when it is created, it will he utterly terrifying, nightmare inducing, and in the wrong hands could be catastrophic. 

It is such an unique storyline, which got under my skin and when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about what was going on in the story. Its unlike the majority of what I've read before which is a good thing. 

There is absolutely nothing I can say that will do this book justice, it is hard to know who to trust, and that ending well makes me wonder.... and as a result I'll be highly curious to see what Louise Mumford's next book is about. 

It's very clear though that a large amount of research into sleep was done, as it all sounded incredibly clever 

What is for sure is this is a very addictive book, it will unsettle you, make you question various things, and ultimately not let you go until you have reached the very last page. 

Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Heading Over the Hill by Judy Leigh

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Amazon UK

Title: Heading Over The Hill

Author: Judy Leigh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd December 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Growing old disgracefully and having a grand old time…

Billy and Dawnie may be in their seventies, but that won’t stop them taking chances or starting again. Their grown-up children have families and lives of their own, so now it’s Billy and Dawnie’s turn, and a life near the sea in Devon beckons.

But the residents of Margot Street (or Maggot Street as Dawnie insists on calling it), don’t quite know what to make of their new neighbours. Billy’s loud, shiny and huge Harley Davidson looks out of place next to the safe and sensible Honda Jazz next door, and Dawnie’s never-ending range of outrageous wigs and colourful clothes, means she’s impossible to miss.

As new friendships are formed and new adventures are shared, Billy and Dawnie start winning their neighbours’ affection. And when life teaches them all a terrible lesson, the folks of Margot Street are determined to live every day as if it’s their last.

Judy Leigh returns with a soul-warming, rib-tickling, timeless tale of true love, true friendship and happy-ever-afters.  

Well they say never judge a book by its cover - and in this case I don't mean the cover for this book which is rather lovely and very fitting, but rather that this is the overall message and theme I was feeling throughout this book. 

Don't judge on appearances, and there may be more to a person than meets the eye - which you may think sounds rather obvious but when Billy and Dawnie move onto Maggot Street, it shakes things up completely. 

They are in their seventies, he is a biker, she loves bright colourful wigs and is the life and soul of any room.  At first I struggled to get to grips with them, not because of that, but due to Dawnie mentioning the names of all of her family rather quickly as you enter the book, and I just was a tad lost as to who any of these people were, but I did get to grips with it quite fast after that.  

We are also treated to the inner goings on at two of the neighbours.  Malcolm and Gillian, where Malcolm is keeping a notebook of the reasons he reckons Billy and Dawnie will never fit into Maggot Street, mostly based on assumptions and its scary in some respects to know there are almost certainly people like Malcolm out there in the world making the same snap judgments but since it was fiction it was rather amusing too.  

And Gillian who initially seems to be there purely to do whatever Malcolm wants, but it becomes apparent there is a lot more to her than meets the eye. 

The other house we see inside is that of Vinnie and Dilly (his mother). Vinnie is a lovely young man (well in a novel where most of the characters are 70+, 50 is young!), seems to be unlucky in love and is currently back living at home with his mother, but wants more from life. 

Dawnie and Billy's arrival on the street shakes things up for all the nearest neighbours in ways you wouldn't believe at the start. It is a huge cast of characters and I wouldn't have it any other way, as they are all so believable, that they started to feel like my own community. 

But I have failed to mention the best character - Tequila.  He only gets short mentions now and then but if he doesn't make you giggle I'd be shocked!! 

It's yet another fabulous book from the talented Judy Leigh and is one that I really enjoyed reading. 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 12 - December Releases

          The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in December 2020. 

Going Green by Nick Spalding
 - as recommended by Debbie Viggiano

Comic timing is delivered with perfection in this romantic tale about Ellie Cooke who’s desperate to keep her job in new and chemistry-challenging circumstances!

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - Delighted to hear Nick Spalding's comic timing is as fabulous as ever. I think I may make this one of my next books to read! 

  

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 11 - November Releases

         The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in November 2020. 

 A Very Perry Christmas by Marie Landry
  - as recommended by Jaimie Admans

 It was a perfect festive escape when I read it in November, Absolutely joyful, warm and cosy, and laugh-out-loud funny that made me smile the whole way through. A real triumph over the low points of 2020! 

Purchase from Amazon UK

 Note from Rachel - That sounds like my sort of festive read, and it may just have made it onto my Amazon Wishlist! 

Once Upon A Winter by Tilly Tennant
  - as recommended by Debbie Viggiano

Is there anything worse than being dumped at Christmas? Hannah is heartbroken … until a stranger rocks up on the doorstep suffering amnesia. Delivers all the fabulous festive feels.

Purchase from Amazon UK

 Note from Rachel - It's been a while since I read this one, but looking back at my original review and I'm inclined to agree with you! 

 

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 10 - October Releases

         The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in October 2020. 

All I Want For Christmas by Joanna Bolouri
 - as recommended by Ella Matthews

For me, this book was funny, festive and romantic. It's a romantic comedy which, unusually, is told from the perspective of the hero. It's a first for me from the author and I was thrilled to discover she has a backlist.

Purchase From Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - I couldn't agree more, I loved this book too, and if you want my further thoughts, then have a link to my review.

Love Your  Life by Sophie Kinsella
 - as recommended by Debbie Viggiano

I adore this author’s wit which delivers almost from the first line. When Ava is dumped before anything even started, she takes finding love to a whole new laugh-out-loud level.

Purchase From Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - Very excited to hear this is a laugh out loud book, I'm looking forward to the paperback release in the summer so that I can read it for myself! 

 

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 9 - September Releases

        The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in September 2020. 

Miracle on Christmas Street by Annie O'Neil
 - as recommended by Sandy Barker

I loved Miracle on Christmas Street by Annie O'Neil. I loved this book for its hopefulness, despite the characters' circumstances. A must read.

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - I couldn't agree more, it's exactly why I loved the book so much.  For more thoughts check out my review! 

A Perfect Paris Christmas by Mandy Baggot
 - as recommended by Debbie Viggiano

I was right there with characters Ethan and Keeley visiting Christmas markets and making flirty exchanges in this festive romance that’s sweeter than hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - I loved the Christmas markets too, and can completely agree with your recommendation. If you were interested in my review, then here is a link! 

 

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 8 - August Releases

       The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in August 2020. 

Blue Skies by Alana Oxford
 - as recommended by Kiley Dunbar

I suggest @alanaoxford and her novella Blue Skies, it came out in August, I’m sure, and I enjoyed the lovely chatty slow burn of it all. Plus there are cute dogs and a ‘you’re soaked, come back to mine and get out of those wet things’ moment!

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - Well anything with cute dogs has my vote for feel good fiction! Sounds lovely. 

Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis
 - as recommended by Bella Osborne

I’d like to nominate Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis as my favourite feel-good read of 2020. It has the best opening line I’ve read in absolutely ages, you are rooting for the characters from the start and it’s funny and poignant in equal measure.

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - I'm kind of curious to read this now just to see what the opening line is! 

 

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 7 - July Releases

      The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in July 2020. 

New Hope for the Little Cornish Farmhouse by Nancy Barone
 - as recommended by Debbie Viggiano

Single mum Nina needs to hold the family together when hubby takes off leaving her penniless. A perfect ‘starting over’ tale set against the glorious backdrop of Cornwall.

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - With a gorgeous cover and Cornish setting I would definitely believe this will make you feel good, just the cover is making me smile! 

 

12 Days of Author's Favourite Feel Good Books - Day 6 - June Releases

      The Amazon Purchase links below is are Amazon Affiliate links.

Over the course of the 12 days of Christmas, we are going to be celebrating the feel good novels that were released each month of 2020. 

I know that 2020 has been a horrible year for many, a year unlike anything else we have ever experienced, but if like me you have found great solace in reading, and especially books that have made you completely escape reality and feel good for even a short time, then you may like these suggestions from various authors. 

These are their top Feel Good reads from 2020 and each day I'll look at a different month's releases, as it made sense at the time I came up with the idea!   So onwards, let's see what fabulous feel good books were released in June 2020. 

One Summer in Spain by Ian Wilfred
 - as recommended by Debbie Viggiano

I love Ian’s chatty style of writing. As travelling overseas was off the 2020 calendar, this charming tale of friendship and romance was perfect armchair travel.

Purchase from Amazon UK

Note from Rachel - Ian Wilfred is such a support to authors and bloggers alike, that I'm delighted to be able to include this choice of yours Debbie. And look forward to the day where we can go back to Spain in real life!