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mags_louise's reviews
3681 reviews
The First Death by Kendra Elliot
4.25
The First Death returns readers to Deschutes County, Oregon for a story featuring Detective Evan Bolton and Search and Rescue expert Rowan Wolff and her trusty dog Thor.
And Rowan has a disturbing history. As she, her brother Malcolm and their babysitter were kidnapped by a serial killer. When Rowan was just five years old and sadly for Rowan she was the only one to survive.
But even though her babysitters body was found her brothers never was and so Rowan has spent the last twenty-five years searching for him.
Which is what leads her to the area of the woods where she was found. On what would have been her brothers birthday. And where Rowan and Thor find the body of a woman strangled just like her babysitter was and where local deputies later find bones, some of which look like they could belong to a young boy.
And Rowan believes they could be Malcolm's.
But are they?
And if Rowans kidnapper was jailed. Who has killed this young woman and why has Rowan's own rescuer been found murdered?
That's what Evan and Roman are determined to find out.
But will the answer be the one Rowan has been desperately seeking?
And with a story that slips between the past and the present. Big twists, shocks and surprises. This was a really enjoyable read. That for me was only let down by the pace, particularly in the beginning.
My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read an early copy of The First Death. 😊
And Rowan has a disturbing history. As she, her brother Malcolm and their babysitter were kidnapped by a serial killer. When Rowan was just five years old and sadly for Rowan she was the only one to survive.
But even though her babysitters body was found her brothers never was and so Rowan has spent the last twenty-five years searching for him.
Which is what leads her to the area of the woods where she was found. On what would have been her brothers birthday. And where Rowan and Thor find the body of a woman strangled just like her babysitter was and where local deputies later find bones, some of which look like they could belong to a young boy.
And Rowan believes they could be Malcolm's.
But are they?
And if Rowans kidnapper was jailed. Who has killed this young woman and why has Rowan's own rescuer been found murdered?
That's what Evan and Roman are determined to find out.
But will the answer be the one Rowan has been desperately seeking?
And with a story that slips between the past and the present. Big twists, shocks and surprises. This was a really enjoyable read. That for me was only let down by the pace, particularly in the beginning.
My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read an early copy of The First Death. 😊
The Lies We Tell by S. Cole, Scarlett Cole
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Anyone who follows me on social media will know how desperate I've been to get my hands on THE LIES WE TELL and to find out what happens to Saint after that shocking ending to The Games We Play.
And I can honestly say it's a thousand times better than anything I could've imagined.
But OMG Scarlett, the ending!! Why??? I can't believe you've left me hanging again! 😂
But seriously it was sooooo worth it!
As The Lies We Tell starts around four weeks before the ending of The Games We Play. When Saint and Spark are thankfully in the right place at the right time to rescue Briar. Who has been abducted and sold to a man who thinks it's perfectly fine to buy, beat, and degrade a woman. Then marry her.
But happily Saint comes to her rescue. Only he can't tell her who he really is. Yet, he's ready to do anything to protect her. Even though he believes she would be better off far away from him.
Yet, time spent together in secret has the pair forging a relationship that's mainly built on lies. The biggest being who Saint really is, something he struggles with massively.
And I loved how Scarlett explored that struggle. Especially with his background and the close friendships, he forged, particularly with Spark.
Who becomes the reason he blows everything up and risks Briar and his own life for a club he was supposed to be taking down.
But that doesn't mean anything to those he has betrayed. And as the truth is revealed the Iron Outlaws will do everything possible to find and punish him and I mean everything.
And with a fantastic slow burn romance on top of a story full of guilt, friendship and revenge. I was absolutely hooked! At the expense of everything and everyone else. And I would one hundred percent recommend The Lies We Tell and the series itself to all.
Now when can I get my hands on The Bonds We Break??😉
I was kindly provided with an ARC by S.Cole and Wildfire Marketing in exchange for an honest review. 😊
And I can honestly say it's a thousand times better than anything I could've imagined.
But OMG Scarlett, the ending!! Why??? I can't believe you've left me hanging again! 😂
But seriously it was sooooo worth it!
As The Lies We Tell starts around four weeks before the ending of The Games We Play. When Saint and Spark are thankfully in the right place at the right time to rescue Briar. Who has been abducted and sold to a man who thinks it's perfectly fine to buy, beat, and degrade a woman. Then marry her.
But happily Saint comes to her rescue. Only he can't tell her who he really is. Yet, he's ready to do anything to protect her. Even though he believes she would be better off far away from him.
Yet, time spent together in secret has the pair forging a relationship that's mainly built on lies. The biggest being who Saint really is, something he struggles with massively.
And I loved how Scarlett explored that struggle. Especially with his background and the close friendships, he forged, particularly with Spark.
Who becomes the reason he blows everything up and risks Briar and his own life for a club he was supposed to be taking down.
But that doesn't mean anything to those he has betrayed. And as the truth is revealed the Iron Outlaws will do everything possible to find and punish him and I mean everything.
And with a fantastic slow burn romance on top of a story full of guilt, friendship and revenge. I was absolutely hooked! At the expense of everything and everyone else. And I would one hundred percent recommend The Lies We Tell and the series itself to all.
Now when can I get my hands on The Bonds We Break??😉
I was kindly provided with an ARC by S.Cole and Wildfire Marketing in exchange for an honest review. 😊
A Blind Eye by Marion Todd
4.5
A Blind Eye is my first introduction to DI Clare Mackay and author Marion Todd. And what a fabulous introduction it is.
As DI Mackay is tasked to investigate the shocking murder of local solicitor Harry Richards. Whose body is found at a local beauty spot.
But who could want this seemingly nice guy dead?
And why kill him in such a brutal manner?
However, that's not the only thing puzzling Clare, as she's been visiting schools trying to encourage school leavers to join the police and on her last visit she has a strange encounter with a student. Then there's a car accident and the fact somebody else was in the vehicle just before it crashed.
But surely, these incidents aren't connected to the solicitors murder are they?
And with a beautiful Scottish setting, humour, twists and intriguing characters. This was a story that had me hooked. And I'll definitely be reading more from this series in the future. As well as catching up on the books I've missed out on.
I would happily recommend A Blind Eye to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo Crime for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Blind Eye. 😊
As DI Mackay is tasked to investigate the shocking murder of local solicitor Harry Richards. Whose body is found at a local beauty spot.
But who could want this seemingly nice guy dead?
And why kill him in such a brutal manner?
However, that's not the only thing puzzling Clare, as she's been visiting schools trying to encourage school leavers to join the police and on her last visit she has a strange encounter with a student. Then there's a car accident and the fact somebody else was in the vehicle just before it crashed.
But surely, these incidents aren't connected to the solicitors murder are they?
And with a beautiful Scottish setting, humour, twists and intriguing characters. This was a story that had me hooked. And I'll definitely be reading more from this series in the future. As well as catching up on the books I've missed out on.
I would happily recommend A Blind Eye to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo Crime for the opportunity to read an early copy of A Blind Eye. 😊
The Spy by Nana Malone
4.5
The Gentleman Rogues are back! And this time Tabatha and Ops Commander Gabe take centre stage.
When "oversight" request one of the team go undercover, and Tabatha is selected for the job.
A job that involves getting close to a target and potentially having to seduce them. Which Gabe isn't happy about. So he decides to step in and be her handler. Which is the last thing Tabatha wants.
As the pair are like oil and water. Not to mention she secretly has the hots for him. Even though he drives her crazy and vice versa!
But she's stuck with him and his constant opinions and that's not her only issue. As her sister Kira back in South Africa has disappeared.
Not that Tabatha has told anyone.
A descion she soon comes to regret. When it becomes clear somebody is out to take the Rogues down.
And with great characters, heat, banter, thrills and spills. This was another brilliant story in the series and I'd happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Nana Malone and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Spy. 😊
When "oversight" request one of the team go undercover, and Tabatha is selected for the job.
A job that involves getting close to a target and potentially having to seduce them. Which Gabe isn't happy about. So he decides to step in and be her handler. Which is the last thing Tabatha wants.
As the pair are like oil and water. Not to mention she secretly has the hots for him. Even though he drives her crazy and vice versa!
But she's stuck with him and his constant opinions and that's not her only issue. As her sister Kira back in South Africa has disappeared.
Not that Tabatha has told anyone.
A descion she soon comes to regret. When it becomes clear somebody is out to take the Rogues down.
And with great characters, heat, banter, thrills and spills. This was another brilliant story in the series and I'd happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Nana Malone and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Spy. 😊
Inferno by Chelle Bliss
4.5
It's time for Stone Gallo to take centre stage, and guys you're in for a treat! As Stone like his dad Mike is one mushy, smooth talking, extremely protective hottie.
And I devoured his story.
As Stone first lays eyes on Opal when she is being verbally abused by her boyfriend Jeff after he gets a tattoo at Inked. And whilst Gigi is ready to step in and kick his butt. It's Stone who after just one glimpse at Opal steps in to save her.
Then Stone offers her a place to stay when he learns she doesn't have any money, her phone or a friend to call on. And from that moment on he's smitten. But circumstances including his Aunt Fran keep him from acting.
Until weeks later his cousin Gigi calls to say Opal is at Mammoth and Tamara's garage. But so is Jeff. So once again Stone steps in to protect her
And this time he's not letting her go. Besides his Aunt Fran, Gram, sister and cousins won't let him!
However, Jeff isn't quite done with Opal or Stone and the pair have a battle on their hands if they want to get the happy ever after they've been starting to dream off.
And with lots of familiar faces, humour, family feels, heat, and sweetness. Not to mention a little emotion. This was a brilliant addition to the series, and its a story and series I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Chelle Bliss and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Inferno. 😊
And I devoured his story.
As Stone first lays eyes on Opal when she is being verbally abused by her boyfriend Jeff after he gets a tattoo at Inked. And whilst Gigi is ready to step in and kick his butt. It's Stone who after just one glimpse at Opal steps in to save her.
Then Stone offers her a place to stay when he learns she doesn't have any money, her phone or a friend to call on. And from that moment on he's smitten. But circumstances including his Aunt Fran keep him from acting.
Until weeks later his cousin Gigi calls to say Opal is at Mammoth and Tamara's garage. But so is Jeff. So once again Stone steps in to protect her
And this time he's not letting her go. Besides his Aunt Fran, Gram, sister and cousins won't let him!
However, Jeff isn't quite done with Opal or Stone and the pair have a battle on their hands if they want to get the happy ever after they've been starting to dream off.
And with lots of familiar faces, humour, family feels, heat, and sweetness. Not to mention a little emotion. This was a brilliant addition to the series, and its a story and series I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Chelle Bliss and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Inferno. 😊
Cherished Enough by Kelly Elliott
5.0
Cherished Enough returns readers to Montana. For Morgan and Ryan's story and it's a story full of romance, heat, friendship, family, love and danger.
As Morgan finds herself being stalked and eventually kidnapped by the last person you'd ever expect to want to harm her.
But she also finds love, with her brothers best friend Ryan. Whom she has been half in love with for years and vice versa.
Yet, circumstances have kept them apart. Until Morgan and Ryan are in a place to spend time together without bickering and when Morgan is targeted Ryan is there ready to step up and protect her. Which gives Morgan the courage to tell him exactly how she feels.
But with danger getting ever closer, will Ryan and Morgan get the happy ever after they've been dreaming off? Or will they be pulled apart for good?
And with such a beautiful setting, great characters and the perfect amount of danger and feels. Cherished Enough was a story I devoured in one sitting it, and it's a story I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Kelly Elliott and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read an early copy of Cherished Enough. 😊
As Morgan finds herself being stalked and eventually kidnapped by the last person you'd ever expect to want to harm her.
But she also finds love, with her brothers best friend Ryan. Whom she has been half in love with for years and vice versa.
Yet, circumstances have kept them apart. Until Morgan and Ryan are in a place to spend time together without bickering and when Morgan is targeted Ryan is there ready to step up and protect her. Which gives Morgan the courage to tell him exactly how she feels.
But with danger getting ever closer, will Ryan and Morgan get the happy ever after they've been dreaming off? Or will they be pulled apart for good?
And with such a beautiful setting, great characters and the perfect amount of danger and feels. Cherished Enough was a story I devoured in one sitting it, and it's a story I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Kelly Elliott and Greys Promo for the opportunity to read an early copy of Cherished Enough. 😊
Hold Your Breath by Helen Phifer
4.5
The fantastic DC Morgan Brookes is back!
And the team now joined by Cain, are preparing themselves for a Christmas period. Which they hope will be full of peace and goodwill. Especially as the top brass isn't happy with all the murderers, they seem to be attracting.
But unfortunately that's not to be when Morgan receives a gift at work, and what she first assumes is a practical joke by one of her colleagues soon becomes something far more serious. When her boss and boyfriend DS Ben Matthews informs her a young woman has been found, possibly murdered at a local beauty spot.
And with a shocking discovery awaiting Morgan and a killer who clearly feels they have a connection to her Morgan is in for possibly her toughest case yet.
Especially when her friend Emily becomes the killers next target.
That is unless the team can stop a heartless twisted killer before its too late.
And with great twists and turns and a killer I did not see coming. This was another brilliant addition to the series, and it's a series I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Hold Your Breath. 😊
And the team now joined by Cain, are preparing themselves for a Christmas period. Which they hope will be full of peace and goodwill. Especially as the top brass isn't happy with all the murderers, they seem to be attracting.
But unfortunately that's not to be when Morgan receives a gift at work, and what she first assumes is a practical joke by one of her colleagues soon becomes something far more serious. When her boss and boyfriend DS Ben Matthews informs her a young woman has been found, possibly murdered at a local beauty spot.
And with a shocking discovery awaiting Morgan and a killer who clearly feels they have a connection to her Morgan is in for possibly her toughest case yet.
Especially when her friend Emily becomes the killers next target.
That is unless the team can stop a heartless twisted killer before its too late.
And with great twists and turns and a killer I did not see coming. This was another brilliant addition to the series, and it's a series I would happily recommend to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Hold Your Breath. 😊
Sweet Regret by K. Bromberg
5.0
I adore rock star romances. So jumped at the chance to read an early copy of Sweet Regret by the brilliant K Bromberg. And I wasn't disappointed. As this is a story that's so much more than just a rock star romance and it's full of beautiful moments, heartbreak, angst, and heat.
And I was hooked from the very beginning as Vince decides the only thing he can do to survive is to walk away from the only good thing in his life the girl he loves Bristol.
But that's just the beginning of Bristol and Vince's story. As the pair are reunited seven years on and with Bristol hiding a big secret and Vince in a rough place mentally and emotionally. Bristol is sure no matter how much they feel for each other they will never make it as a couple.
And when you learn what transpired between the pair seven years ago and what the pair have been through since. You have to agree.
Only after some big revelations, honest conversations and hurtful ones too. The pair slowly start to believe they may just be able to make it after all.
And with great pacing, fantastic secondary characters including the adorable Jagger. This was a story I absolutely devoured and the perfect book to end the month on.
I would happily recommend Sweet Regret to all and best of all its available for free on Kindle Unlimited.
My thanks to K.Bromberg and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Sweet Regret. 😊
And I was hooked from the very beginning as Vince decides the only thing he can do to survive is to walk away from the only good thing in his life the girl he loves Bristol.
But that's just the beginning of Bristol and Vince's story. As the pair are reunited seven years on and with Bristol hiding a big secret and Vince in a rough place mentally and emotionally. Bristol is sure no matter how much they feel for each other they will never make it as a couple.
And when you learn what transpired between the pair seven years ago and what the pair have been through since. You have to agree.
Only after some big revelations, honest conversations and hurtful ones too. The pair slowly start to believe they may just be able to make it after all.
And with great pacing, fantastic secondary characters including the adorable Jagger. This was a story I absolutely devoured and the perfect book to end the month on.
I would happily recommend Sweet Regret to all and best of all its available for free on Kindle Unlimited.
My thanks to K.Bromberg and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Sweet Regret. 😊
The Seventh Victim by Michael Wood
When a killer murders, it isn't just the victim who dies. Those related, and those who investigate are deeply affected too. And the ripples of that act forever live on.
As Michael Wood fantastically explores in his standalone story The Seventh Victim.
A story that starts with a man attempting to lure a young boy away from an empty playground. But luckily his mum arrives in time to stop the abduction and with the help of two teachers is able to keep the man subdued until the police arrive. What she and the police don't know is this man is a serial killer, one of Britain's most prolific and his secret is about to come to light.
However, that's only the beginning of this story. As for one parent (Diane) her nightmare is only just beginning as her sons remains are never found and the killer won't reveal where he is buried.
Until twenty-five years later he dies...
Only what he tells her is the last thing Diane ever imagined she'd hear. But what if this master manipulator and killer is finally telling the truth?
And as Diane, the detective who caught him and a journalist who wrote a bestselling true crime story about him team up. Secrets are unearthed, and answers are found.
But are they the ones Diane wants? And will Zachery ever finally be found?
And with such an intriguing storyline. Not to mention Michael's signature shocks, twists and turns. This was a story that had me hooked and one I couldn't stop reading. And I would genuinely happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Seventh Victim. 😊
As Michael Wood fantastically explores in his standalone story The Seventh Victim.
A story that starts with a man attempting to lure a young boy away from an empty playground. But luckily his mum arrives in time to stop the abduction and with the help of two teachers is able to keep the man subdued until the police arrive. What she and the police don't know is this man is a serial killer, one of Britain's most prolific and his secret is about to come to light.
However, that's only the beginning of this story. As for one parent (Diane) her nightmare is only just beginning as her sons remains are never found and the killer won't reveal where he is buried.
Until twenty-five years later he dies...
Only what he tells her is the last thing Diane ever imagined she'd hear. But what if this master manipulator and killer is finally telling the truth?
And as Diane, the detective who caught him and a journalist who wrote a bestselling true crime story about him team up. Secrets are unearthed, and answers are found.
But are they the ones Diane wants? And will Zachery ever finally be found?
And with such an intriguing storyline. Not to mention Michael's signature shocks, twists and turns. This was a story that had me hooked and one I couldn't stop reading. And I would genuinely happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Seventh Victim. 😊
Widow Lake by Rita Herron, Rita Herron
Detective Ellie Reeves is back with a cracker of a story.
As the summer sun heats up the Appalachian Mountains and dries out the surrounding lakes. Secrets come rushing to the surface. Especially when a ten-year reunion at Widow Lake College is taking place.
And when five-year-old Betsy wonders off. A can of worms is opened. And when Betsy is found, she has a story to tell. One that has Detective Ellie Reeves worried. Particularly when Cord reports a body has been found in a car once submerged in the lake. A car that holds a child's seat.
But with no child's body found or reported missing. What could have happened to them?
And what is so important about this particular reunion at Widow Lake?
And with huge revelations and major twists and turns. This was a story that had me hooked and honestly, I could not stop reading! Which is why I would happily recommend Widow Lake and the Detective Ellie Reeves series to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Widow Lake. 😊
As the summer sun heats up the Appalachian Mountains and dries out the surrounding lakes. Secrets come rushing to the surface. Especially when a ten-year reunion at Widow Lake College is taking place.
And when five-year-old Betsy wonders off. A can of worms is opened. And when Betsy is found, she has a story to tell. One that has Detective Ellie Reeves worried. Particularly when Cord reports a body has been found in a car once submerged in the lake. A car that holds a child's seat.
But with no child's body found or reported missing. What could have happened to them?
And what is so important about this particular reunion at Widow Lake?
And with huge revelations and major twists and turns. This was a story that had me hooked and honestly, I could not stop reading! Which is why I would happily recommend Widow Lake and the Detective Ellie Reeves series to all.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Widow Lake. 😊