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she_loves_to_read's Reviews (81)
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Based on. Her experiences working within the violent and ruthless sex trades in the Czech Republic and Ireland. Anna's story is one that is raw, brutally honest, emotional, compelling, vivid, heartbreaking, and inspirational at the same time. Shining a much needed spotlight onto and providing a rare voice and insight into the depravity, violence, cruelty, danger, and inequality faced by the often vulnerable girls who find themselves drawn into and unable to get out of a trade that is dangerously unregulated, overlooked and surrounded by misconception and stigma. Hiding in plain sight. Making it even easier for those who seek to take advantage of those who are vulnerable and who feel like they have no other choice. Going into it with hioes and dreams of making enough money in order to try to better their lives. Only to find that it's a vicious cycle they are often unable to break away from.
Anna pulls no punches in her vivid and harrowing recollections of her life leading up to time within and life after her time as a sex worker. Showing how it can affect anyone at any time. Highlighting the danger and impact that it has on those involved, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Questioning whether it's worth the money. Which is more often than not, greatly and unfairly impacted by the ruthless individuals who seek to take advantage for their own gain.
Her humour, sarcasm, and illustrations provide a deeper and more dimensional connection with her readers. Whilst also highlighting the strength, courage, resilience, hope, and kindness of strangers that still exist within those that fall victim to the greed of others.
Anna's is an important story that should be read and told far and wide. Especially to those who govern and implement law. In the hope of creating conversation, awareness and elicit much needed change in order to protect those who are vulnerable and punish those who take advantage for personal gain. An inspirational story that has made me more determined to always support and elevate the voices and stories that deserve to be heard and supported.
Anna pulls no punches in her vivid and harrowing recollections of her life leading up to time within and life after her time as a sex worker. Showing how it can affect anyone at any time. Highlighting the danger and impact that it has on those involved, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Questioning whether it's worth the money. Which is more often than not, greatly and unfairly impacted by the ruthless individuals who seek to take advantage for their own gain.
Her humour, sarcasm, and illustrations provide a deeper and more dimensional connection with her readers. Whilst also highlighting the strength, courage, resilience, hope, and kindness of strangers that still exist within those that fall victim to the greed of others.
Anna's is an important story that should be read and told far and wide. Especially to those who govern and implement law. In the hope of creating conversation, awareness and elicit much needed change in order to protect those who are vulnerable and punish those who take advantage for personal gain. An inspirational story that has made me more determined to always support and elevate the voices and stories that deserve to be heard and supported.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Your turn to pay or the turn to die? Perfectly encapsulates this brilliantly plotted anx excellently written action-packed yet heart-wrenching psychological thriller. Co-written by Matt Arlidge and Andy Maslen.
With a plot featuring every parents worst nightmare and exploring how far a parent is willing to go when the life of their child is at risk. Both authors have skillfully created a gripping, tense, suspense-filled, unique rollercoaster ride game of cat and mouse. Which keeps you on the wdge of your seat from beginning to end.
The chapters are short and punchy. Containing just enough in order to keep you fully invested in the characters, their lives, and the potential outcomes to their story's. Fuelling your need to keep turning the pages. I read it in one sitting.
I love the multiple pov of the different characters involved. It really adds so much depth and dimension to the story. Making them both realistic and relatable.
I haven't read any of Andy's work until now. But I'll definitely be looking out for more from him. Whilst Matt has easily retained his place on my auto-buy authors list, and I have no problem comparing him to Harlan Coben.
This is definitely one for your tbr!!
With a plot featuring every parents worst nightmare and exploring how far a parent is willing to go when the life of their child is at risk. Both authors have skillfully created a gripping, tense, suspense-filled, unique rollercoaster ride game of cat and mouse. Which keeps you on the wdge of your seat from beginning to end.
The chapters are short and punchy. Containing just enough in order to keep you fully invested in the characters, their lives, and the potential outcomes to their story's. Fuelling your need to keep turning the pages. I read it in one sitting.
I love the multiple pov of the different characters involved. It really adds so much depth and dimension to the story. Making them both realistic and relatable.
I haven't read any of Andy's work until now. But I'll definitely be looking out for more from him. Whilst Matt has easily retained his place on my auto-buy authors list, and I have no problem comparing him to Harlan Coben.
This is definitely one for your tbr!!
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
If you love a gripping, action-packed, atmospheric, well written, and plotted serial killer thriller with a splash of government/police corruption, organised crime, gory murders, insight into the legal system, red herrings, steady pace. Short, punchy chapters. A clever, arrogant, and elusive murderer and a shocking but brilliant ending. Then this book is for you.
James's experiences as a former attorney and federal prosecutor are something that really enrich the plotline, the narration of the story, and the relatativity and relatability of his characters. Making it a really worthy debut to add to your tbr.
I look forward to seeing what comes next.
James's experiences as a former attorney and federal prosecutor are something that really enrich the plotline, the narration of the story, and the relatativity and relatability of his characters. Making it a really worthy debut to add to your tbr.
I look forward to seeing what comes next.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Jo's debut novel has been nominated for and received a fair few awards, and it's easy to see why.
I'm not a fan of science fiction, and when I saw that AI was involved in the storyline. I did wonder if I would enjoy it. But Jo is such a skilled writer and balances the role of AI in the story with very real characters, their stories, and the plot. That it definitely didn't feel as though sci-fi was involved at all.
I loved the originality of the storyline, which was well researched, constructed, and executed. With Jo doing a brilliant job of perfectly balancing the subject of the pros and cons of AI within the setting of the police force. It's a really clever concepts and Jo has created a fantastically debeloped. Diverse cast of really realistic and relatable characters to compliment it.
Throw in a perfectly paced, action-packed storyline. Murder, death, grief, cancer, family dynamics, dysfunction, red herrings, kidnap, friendship, racism, misogyny, pregnancy, themes of suicide, violence, twists, turns, suspense, intrigue and a thrilling ending you don't see coming. You have a debut thriller worthy of a place on your tbr.
I'm really looking forward to book number 2 and seeing Kat and Lock taking on their next case.
I'm not a fan of science fiction, and when I saw that AI was involved in the storyline. I did wonder if I would enjoy it. But Jo is such a skilled writer and balances the role of AI in the story with very real characters, their stories, and the plot. That it definitely didn't feel as though sci-fi was involved at all.
I loved the originality of the storyline, which was well researched, constructed, and executed. With Jo doing a brilliant job of perfectly balancing the subject of the pros and cons of AI within the setting of the police force. It's a really clever concepts and Jo has created a fantastically debeloped. Diverse cast of really realistic and relatable characters to compliment it.
Throw in a perfectly paced, action-packed storyline. Murder, death, grief, cancer, family dynamics, dysfunction, red herrings, kidnap, friendship, racism, misogyny, pregnancy, themes of suicide, violence, twists, turns, suspense, intrigue and a thrilling ending you don't see coming. You have a debut thriller worthy of a place on your tbr.
I'm really looking forward to book number 2 and seeing Kat and Lock taking on their next case.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Told across two timelines spanning 2004 to 2024 and two countries, the UK and the US. Redemption is an action-packed, intense, gripping, compelling, evocative, emotional, shocking, raw, confronting, dark, complex, thrilling, moving, atmospheric, twists, and turns filled story that explores the heartbreaking, far reaching and devastating consequences and fall out from the death of Evelyn and Tobias's 9 year old son Joshua at the hands od a driver high on drugs who fled the scene.
What follows is a brilliantly plotted, well developed, and well constructed exploration of the ramifications on all parties involved. Whether that be guilt, hatred, fractured relationships, murder, deterioration of mental health, distorted thoughts and feelings, regret, love, hate, sadness, madness, physical, mental, and emotional abuse, grief, marriage, forgiveness, retribution, revenge and redemption.
Jack is an absolute master at what he does! He takes an emotive subject and the social, ethical, and moral dilemmas that come along with it. Throws in multiple pov pertaining to the characters and their parts in the storyline. Adds in perfect pace, some red herrings, and twists and turns galore. Whilst drawing you in from the very first page and throwing you out the other side, having elicited all manor of emotions and thought processes from you along the way.
His characters are relevant and relatable. His writing style is fluid, emotive, and vividly atmospheric, and just when you think he's outdone himself. Along comes another sotry that is bigger and better than the one before.
I absolutely loved it! One of the best I've read this year.
What follows is a brilliantly plotted, well developed, and well constructed exploration of the ramifications on all parties involved. Whether that be guilt, hatred, fractured relationships, murder, deterioration of mental health, distorted thoughts and feelings, regret, love, hate, sadness, madness, physical, mental, and emotional abuse, grief, marriage, forgiveness, retribution, revenge and redemption.
Jack is an absolute master at what he does! He takes an emotive subject and the social, ethical, and moral dilemmas that come along with it. Throws in multiple pov pertaining to the characters and their parts in the storyline. Adds in perfect pace, some red herrings, and twists and turns galore. Whilst drawing you in from the very first page and throwing you out the other side, having elicited all manor of emotions and thought processes from you along the way.
His characters are relevant and relatable. His writing style is fluid, emotive, and vividly atmospheric, and just when you think he's outdone himself. Along comes another sotry that is bigger and better than the one before.
I absolutely loved it! One of the best I've read this year.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Known as 'Los Salvajes' - The WIld Ones because of where they live on the edges of society on the hillsides of El Penon in Mexico. 15-year-old Ephrain and his 2 younger brothers are left to feed for themselves after their mother is wrongly imprisoned for the theft of a mattress.
What follows is their perilous journey whilst trying to survive whilst searching for very scant and poorly paid jobs in order to try to fight for their mothers' innocence and release. But the journey is far from an east one as they are faced with rampant police corruption/brutality, deprivation, poverty, starvation, gang culture, gun violence, betrayal injustice and murder. All whilst battling the many prejudices placed upon them by societal heirarchy.
It's an honest and exploration of what life is like for the poorest and vulnerable in society.
Antonio does a good job of vividly setting the scene and struggles that Ephrain encounters. However, for me, the pace was quite slow, considering the themes contained within the story. There were a few strands of the plot that had the potential to add another layer to the storyline. But they just never really got off the ground. Despute me hoping they would develop over time. Making it feel a little disjointed.
But I do think that it's a great educational tool for teenagers and young adults when it comes to shining a spotlight on and giving a voice to the very real lives and experiences of youngsters in countries around the world.
What follows is their perilous journey whilst trying to survive whilst searching for very scant and poorly paid jobs in order to try to fight for their mothers' innocence and release. But the journey is far from an east one as they are faced with rampant police corruption/brutality, deprivation, poverty, starvation, gang culture, gun violence, betrayal injustice and murder. All whilst battling the many prejudices placed upon them by societal heirarchy.
It's an honest and exploration of what life is like for the poorest and vulnerable in society.
Antonio does a good job of vividly setting the scene and struggles that Ephrain encounters. However, for me, the pace was quite slow, considering the themes contained within the story. There were a few strands of the plot that had the potential to add another layer to the storyline. But they just never really got off the ground. Despute me hoping they would develop over time. Making it feel a little disjointed.
But I do think that it's a great educational tool for teenagers and young adults when it comes to shining a spotlight on and giving a voice to the very real lives and experiences of youngsters in countries around the world.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Criminal defence attorney Erin McCabe is with one of her most personally and professionally challenging cases to date. Defending a gay, white state trooper who stands accused of a killing and black investigative reporter. The very same reporter who has been helping him try to expose a covert gang operating within the New Jersey State police. A gang who are racist, prejudiced, corrupt, misogynistic, and homophobic to name a few of their 'charming' behaviours.
The story has everything and more that I've come to expect from Robyn's talented storytelling. With each new story building on seamlessly from the last.
It's a brilliantly edgy, compelling, powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking story. Robyn's research, passion, plot, characters, and pace are second to none. Giving her readers vivid insights into not only the way in which the law system works. But also providing a much needed and important voice to minority communities like LGBTQIA+. Particularly those minorities who face racism, prejudice, and bigotry. Eliciting a range of emotions from her readers. Keeping the challenges they face, widespread societal unschooled and ignorance that fuels the hatred at the forefront. Whilst keeping strong moral dilemmas at the heart of it.
I absolutely love Erin. Who is tough, competent, complex, loving, loyal, likeable, strong, empowering, and an extremely hardworking and tolerant person with a strong moral compass. Who really strives for justice in the right places. Her cast of supporting characters are equally as fabulous. All having their part to play in the storyline.
With murder, corruption, violence, brilliantly depicted courtroom drama, bribery, IVF, family issues and dynamics, love, friendship, forbidden love, domestic violence, and a building suspense and intensity. Ending in an edge of your seatsexplosive ending. This is my favourite instalment so far! Depsute this being a part of a series. It can be read as a standalone. Especially as Robyn includes little tidbits from previous novels which really help fill the gaps and add to the storyline. Perfect for your tbr perfect for a unique tv series with a major television channel. I cant recommend Robyn's work highly enough! I definitely am going to be waiting impatiently for the next book!
The story has everything and more that I've come to expect from Robyn's talented storytelling. With each new story building on seamlessly from the last.
It's a brilliantly edgy, compelling, powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking story. Robyn's research, passion, plot, characters, and pace are second to none. Giving her readers vivid insights into not only the way in which the law system works. But also providing a much needed and important voice to minority communities like LGBTQIA+. Particularly those minorities who face racism, prejudice, and bigotry. Eliciting a range of emotions from her readers. Keeping the challenges they face, widespread societal unschooled and ignorance that fuels the hatred at the forefront. Whilst keeping strong moral dilemmas at the heart of it.
I absolutely love Erin. Who is tough, competent, complex, loving, loyal, likeable, strong, empowering, and an extremely hardworking and tolerant person with a strong moral compass. Who really strives for justice in the right places. Her cast of supporting characters are equally as fabulous. All having their part to play in the storyline.
With murder, corruption, violence, brilliantly depicted courtroom drama, bribery, IVF, family issues and dynamics, love, friendship, forbidden love, domestic violence, and a building suspense and intensity. Ending in an edge of your seatsexplosive ending. This is my favourite instalment so far! Depsute this being a part of a series. It can be read as a standalone. Especially as Robyn includes little tidbits from previous novels which really help fill the gaps and add to the storyline. Perfect for your tbr perfect for a unique tv series with a major television channel. I cant recommend Robyn's work highly enough! I definitely am going to be waiting impatiently for the next book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The truth always comes at a price for DS Adam Tyler, and his latest 24-year-old cold case investigation arising from an anonymous tip off is no different!
Despite the CRRU thriving despite its previous uncertain future and Adam promising to try and be more ip front and inclusive with regards to his work. Old habits die hard, and when he ends up in a coma as a result of not involving the team. They face the difficult task of playing catch up whilst trying to piece together the many incomplete pieces of the puzzle. In order to try and catch the perpetrators of Adam's attack and solve a decades old kidnapping/murder case whilst they are at it.
When Mina steps up to the plate. Little does she realise that this case in particular will hit closer to home than she realises. When a shocking revelation turns her world upside down.
Russ has done it again! Hitting the ground running with a gritty, raw, compelling, tense, immersive, compulsive, addictive, emotional, and action-packed story.
His writing is clever, well researched, brilliantly plotted, constructed, and written. He is a natural storyteller who writes with passion and vividity that totally sucks you in, wraps you up, and tosses you out the other side. Desperate for another instalment. Effortlessly weaving, action, twists, turns, multiple timelines, pov's, and narratives with shocks, surprises, relationships, crime, police procedure, and well drawn, consistent and relevant and relatable characters into a tense and thrilling, edge of your seat story that would make for an excellent prime time tv drama!!
The book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. But it's like Pringles. Once you pop, you won't be able to stop!
I don't know if we will see Adam again? As it hasn't been confirmed. But I really hope we do!!
Either way, it will always confidently recommend and buy any and all of Russ's future books.
Despite the CRRU thriving despite its previous uncertain future and Adam promising to try and be more ip front and inclusive with regards to his work. Old habits die hard, and when he ends up in a coma as a result of not involving the team. They face the difficult task of playing catch up whilst trying to piece together the many incomplete pieces of the puzzle. In order to try and catch the perpetrators of Adam's attack and solve a decades old kidnapping/murder case whilst they are at it.
When Mina steps up to the plate. Little does she realise that this case in particular will hit closer to home than she realises. When a shocking revelation turns her world upside down.
Russ has done it again! Hitting the ground running with a gritty, raw, compelling, tense, immersive, compulsive, addictive, emotional, and action-packed story.
His writing is clever, well researched, brilliantly plotted, constructed, and written. He is a natural storyteller who writes with passion and vividity that totally sucks you in, wraps you up, and tosses you out the other side. Desperate for another instalment. Effortlessly weaving, action, twists, turns, multiple timelines, pov's, and narratives with shocks, surprises, relationships, crime, police procedure, and well drawn, consistent and relevant and relatable characters into a tense and thrilling, edge of your seat story that would make for an excellent prime time tv drama!!
The book is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. But it's like Pringles. Once you pop, you won't be able to stop!
I don't know if we will see Adam again? As it hasn't been confirmed. But I really hope we do!!
Either way, it will always confidently recommend and buy any and all of Russ's future books.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The important thing to highlight when it comes to Isabel's writing is that all of her stories are really different from each other. Which can sometimes be a rare thing coming from an author who has a back catalogue like hers. Beautiful Liars is no exception!
It's an engaging story with lots of twists and turns, unreliable narrators, secrets, lies, toxic friendship, false identity, survivor's guilt, anger, loneliness, mental health issues, stalking, violence, revelations, jealousy, siblings rivalry, bitter betrayals and much more.
Isabel's plots are always well researched, constructed, and executed. Despite them being complex in nature. She writes so well. With perfect pace and emotion inducing, thought-provoking, and descriptive writing.
With her alternating perspectives. Isabel allows her readers to see all sides of the story. Skillfully exploring the reasoning and behaviours behind the characters, their lives, and their actions. Gradually revealing the puzzle pieces of the plot whilst creating suspense, intrigue, and intensity. Finishing it off with a twisted and satisfying ending.
If you fancy reading a story that tackles the ideas of the lies, we tell ourselves in order to survive and how memories and lived experiences can become distorted over time and affect the reality of the life we live in the present. Then this is the book for you
It's an engaging story with lots of twists and turns, unreliable narrators, secrets, lies, toxic friendship, false identity, survivor's guilt, anger, loneliness, mental health issues, stalking, violence, revelations, jealousy, siblings rivalry, bitter betrayals and much more.
Isabel's plots are always well researched, constructed, and executed. Despite them being complex in nature. She writes so well. With perfect pace and emotion inducing, thought-provoking, and descriptive writing.
With her alternating perspectives. Isabel allows her readers to see all sides of the story. Skillfully exploring the reasoning and behaviours behind the characters, their lives, and their actions. Gradually revealing the puzzle pieces of the plot whilst creating suspense, intrigue, and intensity. Finishing it off with a twisted and satisfying ending.
If you fancy reading a story that tackles the ideas of the lies, we tell ourselves in order to survive and how memories and lived experiences can become distorted over time and affect the reality of the life we live in the present. Then this is the book for you
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-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:
Complicated
If you're looking for a thought-provokint, heartwarming, heartbreakint, uplifting, hope filled, festive read. With a whole host of romance tropes like grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, and a healthy splash of hope, forgiveness, will they/won't they, grief, loss, love, family, friendship, community, festive cheer and a ticket to countries like Spain, Italy, Poland, Austria, France and beyond. Then, Home Again For Christmas is for you!
Emily is an excellent storyteller and having read and loved all of her previous books. I can safely say that she has become one of my favourite festive authors. Who never fails to tug at my heartstrings and make me cry!
I absolutely lived every element of the storyline. Which is really dynamic. With brilliant pace, excellently written and relatable characters. Who all had a perfect part to play in the message that Emily was trying to portray. Something that Emily has consistently in all of her story's, is purpose, meaning, inspiration, and hope. Whilst giving you all perspectives of the characters and relationship dynamics that they have with each other. Making it a really personal setting in which to read. Drawing you in. Chewing you up and spitting you out the other side feeling like you've been embraced in a warm yet emotional hug with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
If you haven't discovered Emily yet and love a feel-good festive romance with all of the essential ingredients tucked within its pages. I'd definitely recommend adding her books to your tbr.
I can't wait for the next one!
Emily is an excellent storyteller and having read and loved all of her previous books. I can safely say that she has become one of my favourite festive authors. Who never fails to tug at my heartstrings and make me cry!
I absolutely lived every element of the storyline. Which is really dynamic. With brilliant pace, excellently written and relatable characters. Who all had a perfect part to play in the message that Emily was trying to portray. Something that Emily has consistently in all of her story's, is purpose, meaning, inspiration, and hope. Whilst giving you all perspectives of the characters and relationship dynamics that they have with each other. Making it a really personal setting in which to read. Drawing you in. Chewing you up and spitting you out the other side feeling like you've been embraced in a warm yet emotional hug with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
If you haven't discovered Emily yet and love a feel-good festive romance with all of the essential ingredients tucked within its pages. I'd definitely recommend adding her books to your tbr.
I can't wait for the next one!