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nikkisbooknook's reviews
4722 reviews
Mortal Vintage by PJ Skinner
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Tanya and the Seacastle crew are back to crack open another mystery! Tanya really is like Jessica Fletcher - she's finding bodies everywhere she goes. At least this time it's Grace finding the body!
It was great to finally see more of Grace and Max, learning about their backgrounds, why they came to the UK, why she is so fearful to be involved with the police. Roz is acting highly weird too. The found family vibes are strong in this series - something I love. Mouse is just so adorable for a teenager - apart from being a bit lost on the old "what do you want to be when you grow up" front, he is such a loving, intelligent and level headed lad.
Who knew the world of Antiquing could be so cut-throat! Dot really is a horrid woman and she was certainly a victim who garnered little sympathy. The storyline zipped along and as usual Tanya et al are integral to saving the day and unmasking the murderer.
I actually found myself warming to DI Antrim in this book - learning more about his backstory humanised him a bit and he certainly relaxes around the Grotty Hovel inhabitants. I must admit I did not guess the murdered this time around - my police colleagues had a hoot at that - they've told me it's just as well I'm not a cop, LOL.
Plenty of humour, cosy vibes and a gentle romance (closed door/off page) between older MC's. Absolutely adorable series and can't wait to see what happens next!
It was great to finally see more of Grace and Max, learning about their backgrounds, why they came to the UK, why she is so fearful to be involved with the police. Roz is acting highly weird too. The found family vibes are strong in this series - something I love. Mouse is just so adorable for a teenager - apart from being a bit lost on the old "what do you want to be when you grow up" front, he is such a loving, intelligent and level headed lad.
Who knew the world of Antiquing could be so cut-throat! Dot really is a horrid woman and she was certainly a victim who garnered little sympathy. The storyline zipped along and as usual Tanya et al are integral to saving the day and unmasking the murderer.
I actually found myself warming to DI Antrim in this book - learning more about his backstory humanised him a bit and he certainly relaxes around the Grotty Hovel inhabitants. I must admit I did not guess the murdered this time around - my police colleagues had a hoot at that - they've told me it's just as well I'm not a cop, LOL.
Plenty of humour, cosy vibes and a gentle romance (closed door/off page) between older MC's. Absolutely adorable series and can't wait to see what happens next!
Rogue Hero by Rob Sinclair
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Curtis has pretty much given up on having a relationship with his "flighty" brother, Finn. He's not seen him for years...until he sees him on TV foiling the assassination of an "extreme right wing" shall we say politician. Finn was no hero when he left - in fact Curtis all but called him a wimp before he left. So how on earth did he get involved in world politics and assassination attempts?
The rest of Curtis life is falling down around his ears - his job he hates, his wife and he are drifting apart and friends that he can't really rely on. So he becomes the man most likely to hunt down his brother!
You will have to disengage the common sense sometimes but if you just go with the flow this is a great political thriller. The intense needs Curtis develops to find his brother was the biggest roadblock I had to get over but after I accepted the familial need I just went with the story. I did find Curtis a very unlikely and if I'm honest, unlikable hero, at first. The story is as much about him being the unlikely hero as Finn is.
The action does slip back in times as we see what led Finn to that fateful encounter. So whilst not the best thriller book I've ever read, this is far from the worst. The storyline is well thought out, the politicians are realistically ruthless and self-serving and I'm all for a MC who is out of their depth but rises to the challenge. I'd certainly read more books from this author.
The rest of Curtis life is falling down around his ears - his job he hates, his wife and he are drifting apart and friends that he can't really rely on. So he becomes the man most likely to hunt down his brother!
You will have to disengage the common sense sometimes but if you just go with the flow this is a great political thriller. The intense needs Curtis develops to find his brother was the biggest roadblock I had to get over but after I accepted the familial need I just went with the story. I did find Curtis a very unlikely and if I'm honest, unlikable hero, at first. The story is as much about him being the unlikely hero as Finn is.
The action does slip back in times as we see what led Finn to that fateful encounter. So whilst not the best thriller book I've ever read, this is far from the worst. The storyline is well thought out, the politicians are realistically ruthless and self-serving and I'm all for a MC who is out of their depth but rises to the challenge. I'd certainly read more books from this author.
Bad Girls of Ancient Greece by Lizzy Tiffin
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I am a lover all myths and legends from around the world - even got a degree that included them! So I know the basis of the stories well, however the author has taken all these characters and tales we think we know so well and tipped them on their head.
Here the women from myth and pre-history get a fair shake of the stick. Grouped together in convenient groups like twisted sisters and Mad Mothers - we get a new view on Andromache, Hera, Aphrodite, Hestia et al. We see that even those portrayed as pious and dutiful could be sneaky, wily and downright nasty when they needed too. And those bad girls of history like Helen - always seen as the instigators of evils and flighty, dim-witted females at best - well they get to show another side of them.
History (and Myths) were written by the victors and men so we know we've had to take all the legends with a stiff pinch of salt (down with the Patriarchy and Misogyny!) but here we also get to take a pop at ourselves, to show that we understand that being a crap human is not determined by race, sex or religion - a$$holery is universal!
This would be a great introduction to myths for teenaged kids, learning about the different pantheons of gods and ages of Heroes (let's face it Heroines!). Snarkily funny and regularly breaks the "fourth wall".
Here the women from myth and pre-history get a fair shake of the stick. Grouped together in convenient groups like twisted sisters and Mad Mothers - we get a new view on Andromache, Hera, Aphrodite, Hestia et al. We see that even those portrayed as pious and dutiful could be sneaky, wily and downright nasty when they needed too. And those bad girls of history like Helen - always seen as the instigators of evils and flighty, dim-witted females at best - well they get to show another side of them.
History (and Myths) were written by the victors and men so we know we've had to take all the legends with a stiff pinch of salt (down with the Patriarchy and Misogyny!) but here we also get to take a pop at ourselves, to show that we understand that being a crap human is not determined by race, sex or religion - a$$holery is universal!
This would be a great introduction to myths for teenaged kids, learning about the different pantheons of gods and ages of Heroes (let's face it Heroines!). Snarkily funny and regularly breaks the "fourth wall".
How to Solve Murders Like a Lady by Hannah Dolby
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Violet is ahead of her time. She's solving crime in 1897 Sussex! Even more unusual - she's working with her fiancé. Ben's the epitome of gentleman detective/antique dealer. He's also very protective of his younger siblings. Ben and Violet aren't exactly in a rush down the aisle and they are content to concentrate on their new business.
I'm a connoisseur of murder mystery and I do enjoy a trip through history. There is some genteel humour and the storyline kept me hooked. Violet is really likeable and where lots of women of this time are portrayed as twee and prudish - she's fun, smart, independent and lovable. I love the way she has become a big sister to Ben's brothers and sisters but doesn't attempt to be a mum to them.
Violet is also a champion of women - she knows they usually get the short end of the stick and are either ignored or blamed for the things going wrong around them. She's actually a great feminist character.
I would have loved a bit more humour if I'm being completely nit-picky but otherwise this was a great read.
I'm a connoisseur of murder mystery and I do enjoy a trip through history. There is some genteel humour and the storyline kept me hooked. Violet is really likeable and where lots of women of this time are portrayed as twee and prudish - she's fun, smart, independent and lovable. I love the way she has become a big sister to Ben's brothers and sisters but doesn't attempt to be a mum to them.
Violet is also a champion of women - she knows they usually get the short end of the stick and are either ignored or blamed for the things going wrong around them. She's actually a great feminist character.
I would have loved a bit more humour if I'm being completely nit-picky but otherwise this was a great read.
Deep Beneath Us by Catriona McPherson
challenging
dark
emotional
3.75
Tabitha has had a hard time of it. She had a mental breakdown when she was a teenager, she's recently found out her husband has been cheating on her, he's making her out to be an unsuitable mother and her son has decided to stay in the settled life he has rather than move with her to her childhood.
However, on moving back to the old renovated church she can't says she blames Albie for not moving. It's cold, it's bleak and it's bring back far too many bad memories. Then her cousin is murdered, she gets an unplanned inheritance and more people around her die.
Tabitha has to rely on tentative new relationships with some locals to try and investigate what has been going on in Hisketh in her long absence. But some long held family secrets and resentments are about to bubble up to the surface and Tabitha may struggle to come to terms with them.
This story really does have a twisty story arc and the psychological trauma of Tabitha is a major part of that. Tabitha is a completely unreliable narrator as due to her mental health issues we're never quite sure if the information being presented by her is "real and factual" or just her grasp of things.
I really began to feel sorry for Tabitha early on as she really has had a crappy life and hopefully now that things are in the open, she will struggle less. Albie, her son, seems to have lightened her load slightly with his visit and Gordo and Barrett have become fast new friends for her.
However, on moving back to the old renovated church she can't says she blames Albie for not moving. It's cold, it's bleak and it's bring back far too many bad memories. Then her cousin is murdered, she gets an unplanned inheritance and more people around her die.
Tabitha has to rely on tentative new relationships with some locals to try and investigate what has been going on in Hisketh in her long absence. But some long held family secrets and resentments are about to bubble up to the surface and Tabitha may struggle to come to terms with them.
This story really does have a twisty story arc and the psychological trauma of Tabitha is a major part of that. Tabitha is a completely unreliable narrator as due to her mental health issues we're never quite sure if the information being presented by her is "real and factual" or just her grasp of things.
I really began to feel sorry for Tabitha early on as she really has had a crappy life and hopefully now that things are in the open, she will struggle less. Albie, her son, seems to have lightened her load slightly with his visit and Gordo and Barrett have become fast new friends for her.
Murder at Whiteadder House by Jackie Baldwin
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
4.0
When you actually work in the world of crime and murder, when you read about it you get VERY particular that it's done right! This is my first read from this author and I was really happy with how much was right. The office politics, the senior officers more like politicians than cops, the protocols that sometimes get in the way of investigations. I even know of uppity cop-kids like Julie!
Eliza's twin has gone missing. After a life pickled in alcohol, she had finally got clean but she was acting paranoid and seemed really unwell. When another couple of missing persons come to Grace's attention she knows there is something fishy about the Detox at Whiteadder House!
The relationship between Grace, Hannah and Jean really pulled me in - finally three FMC's who were the main protagonists of the story and really drew you into the story. I felt really connected to all of them in their own way. I must admit I struggled to like Brodie - I get he did a noble thing but ...grrrrrr he really annoyed me! Harvey was the epitome of a good boy and I really loved how he managed to get involved in the take down!
The story really set a fast pace and even though the time period covered was actually weeks, it only felt like days had passed from start to finish. The characters were all necessary to the story and weren't filler and there were a lot of twists and turns to keep things exciting. There were even a couple of WTF moments! I'll definitely be adding the earlier books to my TBR and I'll be keeping an eye out for book 4!
Eliza's twin has gone missing. After a life pickled in alcohol, she had finally got clean but she was acting paranoid and seemed really unwell. When another couple of missing persons come to Grace's attention she knows there is something fishy about the Detox at Whiteadder House!
The relationship between Grace, Hannah and Jean really pulled me in - finally three FMC's who were the main protagonists of the story and really drew you into the story. I felt really connected to all of them in their own way. I must admit I struggled to like Brodie - I get he did a noble thing but ...grrrrrr he really annoyed me! Harvey was the epitome of a good boy and I really loved how he managed to get involved in the take down!
The story really set a fast pace and even though the time period covered was actually weeks, it only felt like days had passed from start to finish. The characters were all necessary to the story and weren't filler and there were a lot of twists and turns to keep things exciting. There were even a couple of WTF moments! I'll definitely be adding the earlier books to my TBR and I'll be keeping an eye out for book 4!
The Greek Villa by Sue Roberts
medium-paced
4.0
If you want a lighter, low angst romance to get you in the mood for summer you cannot go wrong with something from Sue Roberts! These romances set in Greece always put me in a holiday mood no matter when I read them but when I only have 4 weeks until I go to Greece, I'm totally in holiday mode now!
Claudia decides to use an inheritance to do something very unClaudialike and buys a property to renovate. But buying sight unseen is maybe not the best way to buy!
Hiring Dimitri, the local builder, should make things go a bit easier but the Grumpy, annoyingly handsome Greek male gets under her skin every time they bump into each other. Claudia is great at dishing out advice to everyone else about their lives and relationships but sadly doesn't heed her own advice! She could also be a bit of a snob and very opinionated - I think that's why I struggled with this one a bit.
There wasn't a lot of commonality between Dimitri and Claudia and I did have to just go with the story sometimes and found I wasn't rooting for them as I usually would with my MC's. However, I still really enjoyed the story and was happy with the ending. I really enjoyed watching as Claudia finally settled down a bit and became friends with the locals and a lot less stand-offish and aloof.
Claudia decides to use an inheritance to do something very unClaudialike and buys a property to renovate. But buying sight unseen is maybe not the best way to buy!
Hiring Dimitri, the local builder, should make things go a bit easier but the Grumpy, annoyingly handsome Greek male gets under her skin every time they bump into each other. Claudia is great at dishing out advice to everyone else about their lives and relationships but sadly doesn't heed her own advice! She could also be a bit of a snob and very opinionated - I think that's why I struggled with this one a bit.
There wasn't a lot of commonality between Dimitri and Claudia and I did have to just go with the story sometimes and found I wasn't rooting for them as I usually would with my MC's. However, I still really enjoyed the story and was happy with the ending. I really enjoyed watching as Claudia finally settled down a bit and became friends with the locals and a lot less stand-offish and aloof.
To Love a Dark Lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
4.0
What an ending to a great fantasy series! Be ready to let out a sob or two 'cos not all of your secondary character favourites are going to make it to the end!
Gwen and Mordred have kept us hopping over these 4 books. They are at odds as often as they are working together. They love and hate each other in just about equal measure. Mordred is just about ready to blow up his world - talk about morally dark! Gwen just wants everyone to get out alive - neither are going to get what they want.
Mordred really was put in an untenable position and tried to do what he thought Arthur would want and then when that reveal comes alone - blam his whole reason for being in the state he is, well it's kind of whipped from under him!
There is more than enough action and I loved that the human inhabitants of Avalon and Camelot are finally getting involved - as outmatched as they are they are saying ENOUGH! There is spice and smexy thoughts and some hates&x at times.
At times I wanted to cry and hold Mordred's hand and others times I wanted to smack him on the head. Gwen was still quite naïve in her dealings with there duplicitous Fae - I had hopes she would have grown a few more callouses on her soft heart but then she wouldn't be Gwen I suppose.
My favourite secondary characters remain Eod, Mae and Tim - I really loved the rickey buckets of bolts that made up Gwen's army!
Gwen and Mordred have kept us hopping over these 4 books. They are at odds as often as they are working together. They love and hate each other in just about equal measure. Mordred is just about ready to blow up his world - talk about morally dark! Gwen just wants everyone to get out alive - neither are going to get what they want.
Mordred really was put in an untenable position and tried to do what he thought Arthur would want and then when that reveal comes alone - blam his whole reason for being in the state he is, well it's kind of whipped from under him!
There is more than enough action and I loved that the human inhabitants of Avalon and Camelot are finally getting involved - as outmatched as they are they are saying ENOUGH! There is spice and smexy thoughts and some hates&x at times.
At times I wanted to cry and hold Mordred's hand and others times I wanted to smack him on the head. Gwen was still quite naïve in her dealings with there duplicitous Fae - I had hopes she would have grown a few more callouses on her soft heart but then she wouldn't be Gwen I suppose.
My favourite secondary characters remain Eod, Mae and Tim - I really loved the rickey buckets of bolts that made up Gwen's army!
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
OML - I nearly broke my kindle reading this! It was about to get chucked against the wall then stamped on. Then I remembered that there is still book 4 to come and I managed to get my blood pressure back to semi normal!!!!
Lor and Nadir are like the ultimate power couple. She's all untapped magic, pent up rage and sarcastic humour to cover her trauma and he's the bad boy Fae, with a tender heart and a supportive streak. Nadir should be a narcistic playboy but he's managed to preserve his soul playing Fae politics!
Lor still has trouble taking anything or anyone at face value - always waiting for that other shoe to drop or the sleaze to ooze through someone's personality. Her relationship with Nadir definitely suffers for it. But I love the way that Nadir and his comrades are just there for Lor and her family. They become an epic extended found family. The traumatic childhood and time incarcerated has affected Lor, Tristan and Willow in different ways but they are stronger for it and refuse to allow it to define them. Willow may not have the powers of her siblings but that girl is cunning and sly and would make a perfect Spy Commander!
Gabriel actually redeems himself a bit in this book. We learn more about his backstory and just why he's so obedient to a man he clearly hates. There is a lot of redemption being sought in this storyline. There are many POV's in the book which adds to the complexity and pacing of the story but not so many that you get lost.
That cliffhanger is a doozy and as I've already said - I kind of wanted to unalive the kindle because of it!
Lor and Nadir are like the ultimate power couple. She's all untapped magic, pent up rage and sarcastic humour to cover her trauma and he's the bad boy Fae, with a tender heart and a supportive streak. Nadir should be a narcistic playboy but he's managed to preserve his soul playing Fae politics!
Lor still has trouble taking anything or anyone at face value - always waiting for that other shoe to drop or the sleaze to ooze through someone's personality. Her relationship with Nadir definitely suffers for it. But I love the way that Nadir and his comrades are just there for Lor and her family. They become an epic extended found family. The traumatic childhood and time incarcerated has affected Lor, Tristan and Willow in different ways but they are stronger for it and refuse to allow it to define them. Willow may not have the powers of her siblings but that girl is cunning and sly and would make a perfect Spy Commander!
Gabriel actually redeems himself a bit in this book. We learn more about his backstory and just why he's so obedient to a man he clearly hates. There is a lot of redemption being sought in this storyline. There are many POV's in the book which adds to the complexity and pacing of the story but not so many that you get lost.
That cliffhanger is a doozy and as I've already said - I kind of wanted to unalive the kindle because of it!
Show Off by Tawna Fenske
4.0
What a fitting finale for a fabulously funny but also sweetly smexy series! Juniper Ridge was always going to be a winner for me - I mean it's a small town reality experiment based on a former cult compound! It couldn't not be funny!
Lana and Dal seem are complete opposites. She is sunshine personified and he's the broody, grumpy but ever so talented chef. I loved the way that his brother was not above using his disability to make Dal do what he wants! There was no depicting the disabled community (of which I am a member)as being angelic - we have a$$holes & manipulators just like every other minority. Thankfully Dal's brother uses his powers for good!
Dal and Lana are flawed whilst still trying to be the best they can be. Dal uses his food to bring light to his customers, Lana tries to make everyone around her happy - to her own detriment most of the time. There were parts of the story that were really emotional for me and I loved that the characters went through the wringer, there was no sailing into a HEA - they had to work for it.
Whilst I'm not a huge fan of reality TV IRL - I'd defo watch Juniper Ridge! Some of my favourite scenes are the little confessional diary room scenes. A beautiful mix of sweet, smexy and sarcastically funny.
I really hope we get to meet the Judson's and co in other stories 'cos they are just too funny not to crop up and cause mayhem for others!
Lana and Dal seem are complete opposites. She is sunshine personified and he's the broody, grumpy but ever so talented chef. I loved the way that his brother was not above using his disability to make Dal do what he wants! There was no depicting the disabled community (of which I am a member)as being angelic - we have a$$holes & manipulators just like every other minority. Thankfully Dal's brother uses his powers for good!
Dal and Lana are flawed whilst still trying to be the best they can be. Dal uses his food to bring light to his customers, Lana tries to make everyone around her happy - to her own detriment most of the time. There were parts of the story that were really emotional for me and I loved that the characters went through the wringer, there was no sailing into a HEA - they had to work for it.
Whilst I'm not a huge fan of reality TV IRL - I'd defo watch Juniper Ridge! Some of my favourite scenes are the little confessional diary room scenes. A beautiful mix of sweet, smexy and sarcastically funny.
I really hope we get to meet the Judson's and co in other stories 'cos they are just too funny not to crop up and cause mayhem for others!