nebulous07's reviews
297 reviews

The Last Night Out: A Psychological Thriller by Catherine O'Connell

4.0

Catherine O'Connell's "The Last Night Out" is a gripping and twisted psychological thriller. The death of Angie results four women (Maggie, Suzanne, Carol Ann and Kelly) really evaluating their current life decisions, confronting their demons, fears and insecurities along with their loyalties and friendships being tested. The story is mainly narrated from one of the key characters and bride-to-be Maggie Trueheart with the narratives changing to include key characters such as Ron and Vince. This flowed really well with the core plot of this story and made it more engaging and intense. I thought I had it figured out but that couldn't be further from the truth. Catherine is a wonderful story-teller and I was shocked with the ending. The Epilogue is a form of a time travel, a rather surprising one and the puzzle pieces are exceptionally placed together in the form of the "Postscript to Readers by Kelly". An unsettling but satisfying 4 star read!

A thank you to VoraciousReadersOnly for giving me a free review copy of this book via the author.

Why 319? by Mark Love

5.0

Intricate, intense and gripping are my top three words for Mark Love's "Why 319?". This book had me hooked from page one and the struggle to put it down was real. Based in Metro Detroit, the central plot involving the death of three women is very realistic. The twists and turns really keep you on your toes and propel you to turn the pages. The procedures and methods of the cases are very methodical and systematic and it was a delight to read. Koz, Laura, Megan, Bloomfield and Jarrett are memorable characters along with the leadership skills of Pappy Cantrell (he has my vote for the best boss ever). Jefferson Chene is one character that I won't be forgetting anytime soon. The cases are unfolded through his eyes and the instances that reveal his humane side really complement the overall plot of the book. By the end of it, one can truly get a glimpse of his head and heart. I look forward to the next book featuring him. A 5 star read, one which will be in my head for a long time.

A thank you to VoraciousReadersOnly for giving me a free review copy via the author.

The Austin Paradox by William R. Leibowitz

5.0

William R. Leibowitz's "The Austin Paradox" is intricate, compelling and a page turner. The first few pages is a well-written overview and a recap of Miracle Man. I would definitely recommend reading book 1 to understand the roots of the one and only Robert James Austin. The second book starts on a low, whereby Bobby is a devoted family man but still grieves the loss of his intelligence, one that has been the source and the solution for curing many diseases.
The book shuffles between the narratives of Austin and his family, his research process and breakthroughs, the rise of notorious mastermind Colum McAlister with the support of Ramirez, Huo Jin Gao and Viktor Bazhenov and the inception of HRFS as a means of initiating a biological warfare by Ansar Jamaat. This drives the reader's intrigue and curiosity and keeps you on your toes. William R. Leibowitz's description and style of narration makes the reader go through a rollercoaster of emotions of hope, despair, determination, surprise, intrigue and suspicion. The sub-stories complement the overall plot so well and I was truly amazed when the puzzle pieces came together.
The ending of this book is very promising and I cannot wait to read more about Mirielle; even though it had me on edge with the narrative of CIA's Orin Varneys who is a master manipulator and a cockroach. A 5 star read!
A thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to be a part of the review team for this book. This honest review has been left voluntarily.

Pride & Prejudicial by Danica Dawn

5.0

From the exemplary illustration of Jane Pica to the personalised embodiment of each character, Danica Dawn's "Pride & Prejudicial" is a delightful, hilarious and a refreshing read. The element of diversity present in this book really complements this modern retelling. The character lens of Liza Bennett is comprehensive for the reader has an opportunity to understand her as a daughter, sister, student and a clerk along with her emotions as the story unfolds. Will Darcy is one of the most celebrated and desired characters and Danica's version certainly doesn't disappoint. The interactions between the protagonists are intense, fiery, flirty and surprising and their partnership is one to celebrate. Collin Collins is one character that enhances the giggles and modern John Wickham really captures the dishonesty, suspicion and manipulation of the original. The love story of Jane and Charlie was well written and so earnest and sweet. I loved the ending for it comes around full circle and I was left with a warm, fuzzy feeling as I turned the final page. There are a few spelling errors but it doesn't come in the way of understanding this well thought of plot. A 5 star read! I look forward to reading more of Danica's work.

I received this book from the author and this honest review is left voluntarily.

The Swiss Mishap by Amey Zeigler

5.0

Chocolate (massive win already), Switzerland, Ambition, Passion and Romance are the key elements that are beautifully woven in Amey Zeigler's "The Swiss Mishap". This romantic comedy is very unique for it follows the conventions of the genre but is still unconventional in its own right. Lainey Peterson is a truly authentic character who apart from dealing with the challenges of being miles away from home is repeatedly conched (the metaphoric element and the story of Rodolphe Lindt is one of my favourites) but she still stands up despite every adversity. Her journey of self-reflection (with her numbering system) and her growth is remarkable and you cannot help but cheer her on. Where do I even begin with M.Claremont! He is a complex contradiction who has waged a personal battle with himself and his character shines at several key moments in the book. The lead characters interactions are very engaging and Amey aligns this very well to cobblestone roads and beautiful landscapes of Switzerland. The ending is funny, heartfelt and oozes with sweetness. I cannot wait to read more of Amey's work. A 5 star read!

A shoutout to VoraciousReadersOnly for giving me a free review copy of this book via the author.

Jason's Princess by Elise Manion

4.0

Elise Manion's "Jason's Princess" will give you a King-sized happy bug. Julie Armstrong is a well rounded character whose circumstances in life have resulted in her growing up very quickly. She exudes strength, grace and kindness and is very likeable along with her brother, Charlie. The King family is wonderful and every character has a uniqueness that is hard to forget. I really loved Camille King's way of punishing her boys when they misbehaved in their younger years. Jason King's character is very interesting as one gets a chance to see him through different lenses. At the end of the book, you cannot help but have a soft corner for him. Elise's writing and transitions between the past and present moments is well done and though the plot is a simple one, it is full of earnest and sweet moments. A feel good book which celebrates taking chances, changing perceptions and listening to your heart at all times. I look forward to reading the King Brothers series.

A thank you to VoraciousReadersOnly for giving me a free review copy of this book via the author.

Love Me, Darling by Laura Burton

4.0

If you are looking for a sweet, slow-burn romance in the background of the festive season, Laura Burton's "Love Me Darling" is the one to pick. The final book of the "Love Me" series, the love story of Lucas and Lottie is distinct but still familiar as it is a reunion of all the power couple protagonists from the other books. Laura's descriptive writing of the English winter gave me White Christmas vibes that resonated throughout the book. Lucas is such a sweet character, charming but still so shy and complements Lottie very well. She is joyous in the company of kids, empathetic and has so much love to give. Her insights throughout the book are memorable and also add an authentic element which makes her relatable. The ending had me smiling from ear to ear!

I received a free review copy of this book via the author and this review is left voluntarily.

Days of Rock & Roll by Kelly Holm

3.0

Picking up from a few clues of the band "Dark Horses" and names of "Zak Rhodes" and "Ariana Montrichard" from "The Therapist", I was excited to read Kelly Holm's "Days of Rock and Roll". Based in the world of musicians, touring, press and die-hard fans, we meet Zak Rhodes, a man on a mission to make things right with Ariana Montrichard an established photographer and his ex-girlfriend. The initial chapters held my interest for Kelly seamlessly connects the past with the current events. She also introduces key characters such as Jules Montrichard, Josie Winters, Roger and Rick Anderson who complement the plot. However, the ending seems too rushed to be convincing. The characters could have been developed further to make it a satisfying read.

Thank you BookSirens for giving me a copy of this book. This review has been left voluntarily.

Duckett & Dyer: Dicks For Hire by G.M. Nair

4.0

"Duckett & Dyer: Dicks For Hire" is one of the few books that caught me by surprise for it wasn't what I was expecting at all. But G.M Nair's narration, wit and character development of the unlikely partnership and friendship of Michael Duckett and Stephanie Dyer made it a delightful and hilarious read. It is one of the few books that encapsulates the uniqueness of science fiction and humour, and G.M Nair has produced one of the most refreshing combinations of these two genres. Though distinct, Michael and Stephanie complement each other, and their growth is remarkable. Each multi-verse was well written, and I found myself immersed in each realm. The giggle-o-metre is through the roof, as the two leads find themselves acquainted with time travel. The placement of every supporting character complements the overall plot, and it was a satisfying read.

A thank you to VoraciousReadersOnly for giving me a free review copy of this book.

The Neighbour's Cat by J.S. Ellis

5.0

"The Neighbour's Cat" by J.S Ellis is an engaging short thriller that is narrated by Theodore who is a cat. The writing style has you hooked from page one, and you get to know the key characters such as Dean and Jane. The dynamic of Theo's relationships with these characters are well-written. I finished this book in under an hour, and you cannot help but have a soft corner for Theo. Overall, it's a satisfying read.

I received this book from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.