Book Review

Review: Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line

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The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Title: Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line
Authors: Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Young Adult
Publisher: Vintage Books (25th March 2014)
Blurb:

From Rob Thomas, the creator of the groundbreaking television series and movie Veronica Mars, comes the first book in a thrilling new mystery series.

Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She’s traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.

Now it’s spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person’s case. The house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica’s past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

THE THOUSAND DOLLAR TAN LINE is the first in a new book based series, which ties into Rob Thomas’s groundbreaking TV series and film about a wily female PI called Veronica Mars. The book starts after the end of both the TV series and the film. Things aren’t easy for Veronica, and she needs a big job which just happens to fall into her lap. Spring breakers have descended on Neptune, and a girl has gone missing.

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Review: The Secrets Sisters Keep by Sinéad Moriarty

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The Secrets Sisters Keep by Sinéad Moriarty (UK edition)

Title: The Secrets Sisters Keep
Author: Sinéad Moriarty
Genre: Contemporary, Chick Lit
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK (26th February 2015)
Source: Catherine Ryan Howard/Penguin Books
Blurb:

The Devlin sisters rely on each other – but some things are just too painful to share, even when your sisters are your best friends . . .

Mum-of-four Julie thought that if her family had more money, life would be easier. But now they’ve inherited a fortune, her problems are only starting.

Lawyer Louise is used to having life go exactly as she wants it to. Discovering that there are some things even she can’t control is a shock she might never recover from.

And former model Sophie can just about cope with getting older – that’s until her ex-husband finds a younger model.

All three sisters think that some battles can only be fought alone. Maybe they need to think again . . .

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

THE SECRETS SISTERS KEEP is the latest novel from Sinéad Moriarty. The book follows the story of three forty-something sisters – Julie, Louise, and Sophie – as they navigate through the changes in their lives. Julie’s husband recently inherited a fortune which has eased things for her family financially, but means she’s left on her own more. Louise finds out something that changes her life. Whilst Sophie struggles to find her place.

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Review: Clariel by Garth Nix

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Clariel by Garth Nix

Title: Clariel (The Old Kingdom Series, 4)
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Hot Key Books (2nd October 2014)
Blurb:

The beautiful royal city of Belisaere is the jewel in the crown of the Old Kingdom. Its citizens are wealthy, refined and noble. They are also dangerous, cruel and riddled with corruption . . .

Sixteen-year-old Clariel is not adjusting well to city life. She yearns to be roaming free in the forest, not continually making mistakes in this new city filled with courtiers, false flattery, secrets and endless rules of propriety.

Then Clariel’s destiny takes an unexpected turn. A dangerous Free Magic creature is stalking Belisaere. Is it coincidence that the creature has arrived at the same time as her family? Or is this a warning that the ancient rules binding Abhorsen, King and Clayr are crumbling? Clariel aches to escape this dangerous, cloistered world, and the burden of responsibility that comes with it – but when your path calls, can you disobey?

The highly anticipated prequel to Garth Nix’s bestselling Old Kingdom trilogy.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Set within the same world as Garth Nix’s OLD KINGDOM trilogy, CLARIEL tells the story of a  seventeen-year-old girl whose family moves from Estwael and the Great Forest to the capital of The Old Kingdom, Belisaere. Clariel is not happy with the move to help further her mother’s career, and longs to return home but events within Belisaere are coming to a head, and Clariel finds herself caught up in them.

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Review: The Black Swan Inheritance by Marigold Deidre Dicer

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The Black Swan Inheritance by Marigold Deidre Dicer

Title: The Black Swan Inheritance (The Black Swan Series, 1)
Author: Marigold Deidre Dicer
Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Smashwords Edition (November 2014)
Source: The author/Smashwords
Blurb:

Anita had the kind of reputation in high school that no one wants to carry into adulthood, especially since she wants to be a doctor like her dad. Now at university, she is determined to be good, but one little end-of-semester celebration can’t hurt, right? Well, it can if she ends up having a one-night stand with a werewolf that triggers a dark awakening. Turns out Anita’s over-active libido has become more than something hormonal – it’s magical.
The Black Swan is a powerful legacy that brings both temptation and danger. Having now inherited the title and all that comes with it, Anita finds herself beset upon by ancient abominations that won’t take no for an answer. No wonder the Black Swan had been driven to seclusion and banishment in the past. But Anita is determined not to run away – she is here to help, whether the medieval dragon-wolf or the undead cultists want it or not.
She will be no one’s pawn. She will rise to the challenge.
If she can just manage to deal with her own flaws first. Anxiety, panic-attacks, and bouts of bitchiness does not a successful diplomat make.
Rating: ** (2 stars)
Review:
THE BLACK SWAN INHERITANCE is the first book in Marigold Deidre Dicer’s BLACK SWAN series. The story is set in Australia and follows the story of Anita as she settles into life at university, trying to be a different girl than the one she was in high school. Anita is determined to reach her goal of becoming a doctor like her father. Life, however, decides that her path won’t be quite as easy as she’d like.

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Review: Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong

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Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong (UK edition)

Title: Wild Justice (A Nadia Stafford Thriller, 3)
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Publisher:Sphere (26th November 2013)
Blurb:

Wild Justice: the dramatic finale to the Nadia Stafford trilogy

Ex-cop Nadia Stafford has a dark secret. After taking the law into her own hands she was kicked off the force . . . and entered the shadowy world of guns for hire. She has her own strict code – works only for one crime family, only kills the really bad guys. But when a hit goes tragically wrong, Nadia is devastated. Is is time to leave the business for good?

Before she has time to decide, Nadia discovers that her own life is under threat. And worse – that terrifying events from her past may have triggered the attacks. With the help of Jack, her enigmatic mentor, Nadia is forced upon a dark path – towards the truth and towards her final destiny.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

WILD JUSTICE brings to a conclusion Kelley Armstrong’s brilliant Nadia Stafford trilogy. When a hit goes tragically wrong, Nadia is left adrift and unsure of her future. Wanting to help her, Jack presents her with a case that might very well provide Nadia with the closure she is looking for…

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Review: Wild Things by Chloe Neill

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Book Cover of Wild Things

Wild Things by Chloe Neill

Title: Wild Things (Chicagoland Vampires, 9)
Author: Chloe Neill
Genre: Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Gollancz Fiction (20th February 2014)
Blurb:

Since Merit was turned into a vampire, and became the protector of Chicago’s Cadogan House, it’s been a wild ride. She and Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan have helped make Cadogan’s vampires the strongest in North America, and forged ties with paranormal folk of all breeds and creeds.

But now these alliances are about to be tested. A strange and twisted magic has ripped through the North American Central Pack, and Merit’s closest friends are caught in the crosshairs. But who – or what – could possibly be powerful enough to out-magic a shifter?

Merit is about to go toe to toe, and cold steel to cold heart, to find out.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

WILD THINGS is the ninth addition to Chloe Neill’s brilliant Chicagoland Vampires series. Merit’s story continues with the mayor of Chicago looking for someone to blame for Chicago’s recent paranormal activity, and Ethan Sullivan makes a good target. Merit and Ethan retreat only to find another enemy waiting for them.

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Review: Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh

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Rock Courtship by Nalini Singh

Title: Rock Courtship (A Rock Kiss Novella, 1.5)
Author: Nalini Singh
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, New Adult
Publisher: TKA Distribution (30th September 2014)
Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s new contemporary romance novella is pure hard rock and scorching heat…

What happens when the Gentleman of Rock decides to play dirty?

A drummer for the hottest rock band on the planet, David has a single, powerful weakness: Thea, the band’s publicist and the woman who steals his breath away with her every move.

Only problem is, Thea doesn’t date clients–or musicians. Emotionally scarred by a cheating ex, she’s not about to risk her heart with a man who has groupies buzzing around him like flies. Even if his sexy smile ties her up in knots.

What she doesn’t know is that David is a one-woman man…and he’s madly in love with her. David’s determined to prove he’s worth the risk, and willing to court her, step by exquisite step. Thea’s about to discover just how long and hard this handsome drummer can play.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

ROCK COURTSHIP is the first novella in the ROCK KISS series by Nalini Singh. It is a companion story to the first book in the series ROCK ADDICTION (my 4 star review), and it tells the story of Thea and David. David has been interested in Thea for a while, but first she had a boyfriend and wasn’t interested in anyone else and then he broke her heart. David has been patient, but maybe now it’s time for him to make a move.

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Review: Plumdog by Emma Chichester Clark

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Plumdog by Emma Chichester Clark

Title: Plumdog
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Jonathan Cape (2nd October 2014)
Blurb:

Hello. My name is Plum and I’m a whoosell – that’s whippet mixed with Jack Russell and poodle. I especially like swimming, leaping, catching and croissants, and my favourite fragrance is fox poo. I live with Emma, an illustrator, and Rupert. My sister, Liffey, lives nearby.

Over the last year I’ve been keeping a diary. Emma has helped with the pictures, but the words are all mine.

Since 2012 Emma Chichester Clark has been delighting thousands of followers with her blog Plumdog, which records the day-to-day life of Plum, her dog, in Plum’s own words and Emma’s irresistible illustrations. This book collects Plum’s best pages in book form. It will bring cries of delighted recognition from anyone who has ever owned a dog and, dare one say it, charm the pants off even those who strongly prefer cats.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

PLUMDOG is a graphic novel by Emma Chichester Clark which records a year in the life of her dog Plum. The novel is narrated by Plum and starts on January 1st with a list of New Year resolutions and ends on December 31st. Emma provides beautiful illustrations to accompany Plum’s narrative.

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Review: The Sleeper And The Spindle by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Chris Riddell

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The Sleeper And The Spindle by Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Title: The Sleeper And The Spindle
Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Genre: Fairy Tale, Re-Telling, Young Adult
Publisher: Bloomsbury (23rd October 2014)
Blurb:

IT WAS THE CLOSEST KINGDOM TO THE QUEEN’S, AS THE CROW FLIES, BUT NOT EVEN CROWS FLEW IT.

You may think you know this story. There’s a young queen, about to be married. There are some good, brave, hardy dwarfs; a castle, shrouded in thorns; and a princess, cursed by a witch, so rumour has it, to sleep forever.

But no one is waiting for a noble prince to appear on his trusty steed here. This fairy tale is spun with a thread of dark magic, which twists and turns and glints and shines. A queen might just prove herself a hero, if a princess needs rescuing . . .

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

THE SLEEPER AND THE SPINDLE is a beautifully illustrated adaptation of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. It combines the talents of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell to create a haunting and beautiful world and story, with Riddell’s illustrations adding an extra dimension to Gaiman’s words. Together, Gaiman and Riddle create a rich and enchanting fairy tale. Beware, there’s no Disneyfication here!

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Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

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Isla and the Happily Ever After Book Cover

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Publisher: Usborne (14th August 2014)
Blurb:

The café is boiling. The atmosphere is clouded with bittersweet coffee. Three years of desire rip through my body and burst from my lips: “Josh!” His head jolts up. For a long time, a very long time, he just stares at me. And then…he blinks. “Isla?”

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on brooding artist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And, after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer break, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to face uncertainty about their futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.

Set against the stunning backdrops of New York, Paris and Barcelona, this is a gorgeous, heart-wrenching and irresistible story of true love, and the perfect conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series.

Rating: ***** (5 stars)
Review:

ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER brings Stephanie Perkins trilogy of interweaving stories to its conclusion. First we meet Anna in ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS (review), and then we meet Lola in LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR (review), and now, finally, we are introduced to Isla in ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER. We have already met Isla briefly in ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, but now she gets her own story. Isla has had a crush on Josh for a long time; now in her senior year, after a chance encounter, she might finally have a chance. But will she get her happily-ever-after?

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