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mags_louise's reviews
3673 reviews
Notorious Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine return to New York and the Park Avenue Princes for one final story and talk about going out with a bang!
As East's story is one not to be missed and not at all what I expected. As the most notorious of the princes is about to meet his match and have his hands full. When he learns Zac, the guy he is casually seeing has been fantasising about sleeping with their professor and East loving the idea of watching them sets out to make it happen.
Only professor Kingston known amongst the students at Astor as King has a whole other idea and quickly turns the tables on the pair. He also introduces them to a world they know nothing about and one his peers believe East just isn't suitable for.
But King is sure he has made the right decision. Not to mention he can't get their encounter out of his mind. So he decides to whisk the pair away for spring break and hope he can get them out of his system once and for all.
Yet, the week together changes the three of them in ways they never imagined. Even East, who doesn't share a bed, do cuddles or even relationships.
Only everything changes when they return to New York and East is faced with devastating news. But both King and Zac are there for him as are his fellow Princes and East realises that being in a relationship isn't so bad after all.
And with some smoking hot scenes and a notorious prince put in his place in the most delicious of ways. This was a perfect way to end the series and showcase what a great group of characters the princes are and I can't wait for the spinoff series to start!!
I would happily recommend Notorious Park Avenue Princes and the series as a whole to all. βΊοΈ
As East's story is one not to be missed and not at all what I expected. As the most notorious of the princes is about to meet his match and have his hands full. When he learns Zac, the guy he is casually seeing has been fantasising about sleeping with their professor and East loving the idea of watching them sets out to make it happen.
Only professor Kingston known amongst the students at Astor as King has a whole other idea and quickly turns the tables on the pair. He also introduces them to a world they know nothing about and one his peers believe East just isn't suitable for.
But King is sure he has made the right decision. Not to mention he can't get their encounter out of his mind. So he decides to whisk the pair away for spring break and hope he can get them out of his system once and for all.
Yet, the week together changes the three of them in ways they never imagined. Even East, who doesn't share a bed, do cuddles or even relationships.
Only everything changes when they return to New York and East is faced with devastating news. But both King and Zac are there for him as are his fellow Princes and East realises that being in a relationship isn't so bad after all.
And with some smoking hot scenes and a notorious prince put in his place in the most delicious of ways. This was a perfect way to end the series and showcase what a great group of characters the princes are and I can't wait for the spinoff series to start!!
I would happily recommend Notorious Park Avenue Princes and the series as a whole to all. βΊοΈ
Salacious Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Park Avenue Princes are back! And this time Travis gets to take centre stage in a story let's be honest we've all been waiting for. As we finally find out what his issue with Caleb is.
Caleb who btw happens to be his stepbrother. π±
And it's a story that delights and delivers from the very first page to the last.
As these two gorgeous, stubborn, argumentative, sexy guys. Who go out of their way to drive each other crazy. Are thrown together when their parents announce at a family dinner that because they feel Travis has no direction (big shock, I know) Caleb should leave his loft in Chelsea and move into the Towers with him.
But it's a decision that doesn't go down well with either party. Especially Caleb, who adores his space away from Astor, Travis and the rest of the Park Avenue Pricks as he calls them. Particularly, as Travis has been more antagonistic than ever lately.
However, neither of their parents is taking for an answer and once under the same roof, the pair has no choice but to confront their differences and the reason that caused them to fall out in the first place.
And I absolutely adored getting to see a softer, more vulnerable side of Travis. Who is normally quite self assured and brash especially when around Caleb and Caleb well I loved getting to know him in detail and his romance with Travis developed at just the perfect pace.
And with plenty of heat, emotion, great characters and just the right amount of input from the rest of the Princes this was a fantastic read. That I read in just a few hours and I honestly can't wait for East's story, especially after all the shit he's given his friends who have much to his disgust and horror gone and fallen in love.
My thanks to Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine and Foreword PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Salacious Park Avenue. π
Caleb who btw happens to be his stepbrother. π±
And it's a story that delights and delivers from the very first page to the last.
As these two gorgeous, stubborn, argumentative, sexy guys. Who go out of their way to drive each other crazy. Are thrown together when their parents announce at a family dinner that because they feel Travis has no direction (big shock, I know) Caleb should leave his loft in Chelsea and move into the Towers with him.
But it's a decision that doesn't go down well with either party. Especially Caleb, who adores his space away from Astor, Travis and the rest of the Park Avenue Pricks as he calls them. Particularly, as Travis has been more antagonistic than ever lately.
However, neither of their parents is taking for an answer and once under the same roof, the pair has no choice but to confront their differences and the reason that caused them to fall out in the first place.
And I absolutely adored getting to see a softer, more vulnerable side of Travis. Who is normally quite self assured and brash especially when around Caleb and Caleb well I loved getting to know him in detail and his romance with Travis developed at just the perfect pace.
And with plenty of heat, emotion, great characters and just the right amount of input from the rest of the Princes this was a fantastic read. That I read in just a few hours and I honestly can't wait for East's story, especially after all the shit he's given his friends who have much to his disgust and horror gone and fallen in love.
My thanks to Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine and Foreword PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Salacious Park Avenue. π
Imagine Living by Deborah Morgan, Deborah Morgan
4.5
Imagine Living transports you to 1980s Liverpool, where sixteen-year-old Robyn is happily living with her nan May and working her first job at a bakery earning a small but welcome wage. When May after an operation returns home and suddenly passes away and Robyn's young life is altered forever.
However, Robyn proves to be a resilient young woman, even though she finds herself alone, grieving her nan and homeless after refusing to live with her mother in Scotland.
And as the story unfolds author Debroah Morgan takes you on an emotional journey, full of highs and lows. As Robyn tries to make sense of her new reality. Whilst searching for her father and a new place to call home and through it all she meets a wide variety of characters. Some of whom are willing to offer help and support whilst others just want to take advantage and sadly they do. But somehow Robyn manages to remain remarkably strong.
And it's all set against a backdrop of Blondie, Levi jeans and Thatchers Britain.
And it was a really engaging and uplifting story. That easily kept me reading even though it's not my usual genre and I'd happily recommend Imagine Living to others. And am genuinely intrigued to see what happens to Robyn next.
My thanks to author Debroah Morgan, who kindly provided me with a free copy of Imagine Living. π
However, Robyn proves to be a resilient young woman, even though she finds herself alone, grieving her nan and homeless after refusing to live with her mother in Scotland.
And as the story unfolds author Debroah Morgan takes you on an emotional journey, full of highs and lows. As Robyn tries to make sense of her new reality. Whilst searching for her father and a new place to call home and through it all she meets a wide variety of characters. Some of whom are willing to offer help and support whilst others just want to take advantage and sadly they do. But somehow Robyn manages to remain remarkably strong.
And it's all set against a backdrop of Blondie, Levi jeans and Thatchers Britain.
And it was a really engaging and uplifting story. That easily kept me reading even though it's not my usual genre and I'd happily recommend Imagine Living to others. And am genuinely intrigued to see what happens to Robyn next.
My thanks to author Debroah Morgan, who kindly provided me with a free copy of Imagine Living. π
Hell Hath No Fury by Geoff Major
4.5
Hell Hath No Fury is my first introduction to author Geoff Major and what a cracking introduction it is.
As this is a detailed, complex, fast-paced crime thriller. That keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. With a story packed full of characters and told from multiple points of view.
You are taken into the murky world of organised crime. As a shadowy figure known as 'the broker' pulls the strings and where you are introduced to three women whose fates are seemingly intertwined by chance and a group of friends who have always had each others backs and now along with their families are being murdered. The only thing linking them a crumpled lottery ticket stuffed in their mouths.
Which is how detectives from different forces including North Yorkshire and the Met come together searching for the person or person's responsible. Not knowing however that each time someone is murdered the broker profits.
And with plenty of tension and intrigue. Not to mention secrets, lies and lots of red herrings. This was an engrossing read. With an unexpected ending! That I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to author Geoff Major who very kindly gifted me a copy of Hell Hath No Fury. π
As this is a detailed, complex, fast-paced crime thriller. That keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. With a story packed full of characters and told from multiple points of view.
You are taken into the murky world of organised crime. As a shadowy figure known as 'the broker' pulls the strings and where you are introduced to three women whose fates are seemingly intertwined by chance and a group of friends who have always had each others backs and now along with their families are being murdered. The only thing linking them a crumpled lottery ticket stuffed in their mouths.
Which is how detectives from different forces including North Yorkshire and the Met come together searching for the person or person's responsible. Not knowing however that each time someone is murdered the broker profits.
And with plenty of tension and intrigue. Not to mention secrets, lies and lots of red herrings. This was an engrossing read. With an unexpected ending! That I would happily recommend to others.
My thanks to author Geoff Major who very kindly gifted me a copy of Hell Hath No Fury. π
The Silent Man by David Fennell
4.5
This is my first introduction to author David Fennell and if The Silent Man is anything to go by it won't be my last.
As this was a cracking read.
That grabbed me from the very first page and never let go. With a storyline packed full of murder, darkness, twists and turns.
And it had me guessing until the very end. As protagonist DI Grace Archer is pulled away from a personal threat and a sick grandad to investigate the bizarre murder of Jason Todd.
And it's a murder that puzzles from the start as he is killed at home with his son in the next room. A son who is left unharmed.
But as Archer and her colleague Quinn begin to investigate danger stalks ever closer. As the threats against Archer increase. And there's a big chance neither Archer or Quinn will live long enough to see this case through.
And what a case it is!!
And with plenty of shocks, humour, macabre moments which I loved and a killer I did not expect. This was a truly brilliant read. That I'd thoroughly recommend to others and I'll definitely be reading the books I've missed out on in this series. Just as soon as I can.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Silent Man.
As this was a cracking read.
That grabbed me from the very first page and never let go. With a storyline packed full of murder, darkness, twists and turns.
And it had me guessing until the very end. As protagonist DI Grace Archer is pulled away from a personal threat and a sick grandad to investigate the bizarre murder of Jason Todd.
And it's a murder that puzzles from the start as he is killed at home with his son in the next room. A son who is left unharmed.
But as Archer and her colleague Quinn begin to investigate danger stalks ever closer. As the threats against Archer increase. And there's a big chance neither Archer or Quinn will live long enough to see this case through.
And what a case it is!!
And with plenty of shocks, humour, macabre moments which I loved and a killer I did not expect. This was a truly brilliant read. That I'd thoroughly recommend to others and I'll definitely be reading the books I've missed out on in this series. Just as soon as I can.
My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Silent Man.
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
4.25
Tee O Fallon returns with another enjoyable addition to the K9 Special Ops Series. This time featuring ATF Agent Brett Tanner and his adorable K9 companion Blaze. Who are on the trail of an arsonist and now murderer who seems to be targeting run down properties throughout a Colorado town.
But if Brett is to have any chance of finding the person,person's responsible he needs to gain the trust of NCIB investigator Grace. Who during her own investigation has started to see a pattern in the fires set and has vital Intel that Brett desperately needs.
And Brett has more reason than most to want to stop them after being injured in a fire that claimed two of his childhood friends. He knows the damage fire and those who set them cause.
But the more Brett pulls Grace into his investigation the higher the stakes become and she soon becomes a target.
However, Bretts friends and their canine companions are on hand to help keep her safe and hunt down the culprit.
And with danger, secrets, sweetness, mystery, and suspense. Not to mention a slow burn romance. This was a truly engaging read. That was only really let down by the ending, which I felt was a little abrupt.
My thanks to Entangled Publishing who kindly provided me with an early copy of Burning Justice to read and review. π
But if Brett is to have any chance of finding the person,person's responsible he needs to gain the trust of NCIB investigator Grace. Who during her own investigation has started to see a pattern in the fires set and has vital Intel that Brett desperately needs.
And Brett has more reason than most to want to stop them after being injured in a fire that claimed two of his childhood friends. He knows the damage fire and those who set them cause.
But the more Brett pulls Grace into his investigation the higher the stakes become and she soon becomes a target.
However, Bretts friends and their canine companions are on hand to help keep her safe and hunt down the culprit.
And with danger, secrets, sweetness, mystery, and suspense. Not to mention a slow burn romance. This was a truly engaging read. That was only really let down by the ending, which I felt was a little abrupt.
My thanks to Entangled Publishing who kindly provided me with an early copy of Burning Justice to read and review. π
Not My Kind of Hero by Pippa Grant
4.5
Pippa Grant returns for a standalone rom-com full of charm. As single mum Maisey and her sassy eye-rolling sixteen-year-old daughter Junie move to Hells Bells, Wyoming to start over after inheriting a ranch and life in a small town where bears are prevalent is definitely a shock.
But Maisey is determined to make it work and rebuild her relationship with Junie. That's if the pair survive the bears long enough.
And this is where Maisey meets grumpy and gorgeous Flint Jackson. Who is not only her new tenant, but her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach. But both Maisey and Flint have emotional baggage and know they should keep their distance.
Yet, their connection is undeniable and the banter on point and I loved how much respect and understanding the pair had for each other.
And with the small-town community to add another layer. Not to mention Junie who just shined. This was a deliciously delightful story, full of well-rounded real characters and lots of laughter. And I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Not My Kind Of Hero. π
But Maisey is determined to make it work and rebuild her relationship with Junie. That's if the pair survive the bears long enough.
And this is where Maisey meets grumpy and gorgeous Flint Jackson. Who is not only her new tenant, but her daughter's math teacher and soccer coach. But both Maisey and Flint have emotional baggage and know they should keep their distance.
Yet, their connection is undeniable and the banter on point and I loved how much respect and understanding the pair had for each other.
And with the small-town community to add another layer. Not to mention Junie who just shined. This was a deliciously delightful story, full of well-rounded real characters and lots of laughter. And I would happily recommend it to all.
My thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Not My Kind Of Hero. π
Beneath Dark Waters by Karen Rose
5.0
Karen Rose returns to New Orleans for a story that will keep you reading long into the night.
As assistant District Attorney Kaj (pronounced pie) Cordozo's son is targeted when a man is remanded in custody for beating a doctor to death.
That man is Aaron Gates. Who it turns out is connected to a gang Sixth Day. Whom NOPD believe long disbanded but now believe are targeting Kaj's son.
But are they?
That's what Kaj has employed Burke Brossard Private Investigation Agency to find out and also to keep his son safe.And Val Sorenson is tasked with the job. But Val has a personal connection. As her brother Van was murdered by a member of Sixth Day four years ago.
Yet, as the investigation gets underway it becomes increasingly clear there is more at play than anyone thought and all eyes soon move to Aarons brothers.
And Val starts to question why her brother was murdered. Only the answer isn't the one she expected.
Yet, as the danger mounts Val is more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to keep Elijah and Kaj safe.
However, with threats coming from every direction and trouble knowing who the team can trust. This is not an easy task.
And with a fast-paced, edge of your seat and brilliantly unpredictable storyline. This was a gripping read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Beneath Dark Waters. π
As assistant District Attorney Kaj (pronounced pie) Cordozo's son is targeted when a man is remanded in custody for beating a doctor to death.
That man is Aaron Gates. Who it turns out is connected to a gang Sixth Day. Whom NOPD believe long disbanded but now believe are targeting Kaj's son.
But are they?
That's what Kaj has employed Burke Brossard Private Investigation Agency to find out and also to keep his son safe.And Val Sorenson is tasked with the job. But Val has a personal connection. As her brother Van was murdered by a member of Sixth Day four years ago.
Yet, as the investigation gets underway it becomes increasingly clear there is more at play than anyone thought and all eyes soon move to Aarons brothers.
And Val starts to question why her brother was murdered. Only the answer isn't the one she expected.
Yet, as the danger mounts Val is more determined than ever to do whatever it takes to keep Elijah and Kaj safe.
However, with threats coming from every direction and trouble knowing who the team can trust. This is not an easy task.
And with a fast-paced, edge of your seat and brilliantly unpredictable storyline. This was a gripping read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere
My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Beneath Dark Waters. π
Deception In Miami by Kathryn Louise
4.5
Meet Esmeralda 'Esme' King. A cyber security expert. Who used to work for the government. But now takes on very select cases for the rich and famous and has been hired to work for the notorious Richardson family and to investigate the deaths of Arthur Richardson and his son Michael.
However, before Esme starts her investigation, she wants to know how exactly Arthur's daughter got hold of her private number and to do that she needs to contact David her ex-colleague and one time lover. And the answers she gets aren't exactly reassuring.
And as Esme's investigation unfolds she is chased from London, across Florida and back home again. Where she has to rely on her close knit group of friends and use all her considerable skills to survive.
And with plenty of tense moments and unexpected twists. This was a gripping introduction to protagonist Esme King and I'd happily recommend it to others.
My thanks to author Kathryn Louise, who very kindly gifted me a copy of Deception in Miami. π
However, before Esme starts her investigation, she wants to know how exactly Arthur's daughter got hold of her private number and to do that she needs to contact David her ex-colleague and one time lover. And the answers she gets aren't exactly reassuring.
And as Esme's investigation unfolds she is chased from London, across Florida and back home again. Where she has to rely on her close knit group of friends and use all her considerable skills to survive.
And with plenty of tense moments and unexpected twists. This was a gripping introduction to protagonist Esme King and I'd happily recommend it to others.
My thanks to author Kathryn Louise, who very kindly gifted me a copy of Deception in Miami. π
Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss
5.0
Never Too Soon returns readers to the small town of Star Falls and the close-knit Bianchi family for Gracie's story; and what a beautiful captivating story it is.
As Gracie meets widower and father of two Ryder. Who has moved to the small town with his adorable children Luke and Cora for a fresh start and makes an immediate connection with Gracie.
Yet, neither are really in the right headspace for love and with two children in the mix they know they'll have to tread carefully.
However, they can't resist each other and with the help of Gracie's mum Lucia and her girl crew the pair are nudged together and soon develop a close friendship/romance.
But with health issues and a visiting friend offering Ryder an opportunity too good to refuse. Will this burgeoning romance ever become more?
And with a well developed slow burn romance, plenty of family feels and sweetness. Not to mention a little angst as both Ryder and Gracie open up about their pasts. This was a fantastic read. That I absolutely devoured and I can't wait to return to Star Falls for more from the Bianchi family in the future. And I would happily recommend Never Too Soon to all.
My thanks to Chelle Bliss and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Never Too Soon. π
As Gracie meets widower and father of two Ryder. Who has moved to the small town with his adorable children Luke and Cora for a fresh start and makes an immediate connection with Gracie.
Yet, neither are really in the right headspace for love and with two children in the mix they know they'll have to tread carefully.
However, they can't resist each other and with the help of Gracie's mum Lucia and her girl crew the pair are nudged together and soon develop a close friendship/romance.
But with health issues and a visiting friend offering Ryder an opportunity too good to refuse. Will this burgeoning romance ever become more?
And with a well developed slow burn romance, plenty of family feels and sweetness. Not to mention a little angst as both Ryder and Gracie open up about their pasts. This was a fantastic read. That I absolutely devoured and I can't wait to return to Star Falls for more from the Bianchi family in the future. And I would happily recommend Never Too Soon to all.
My thanks to Chelle Bliss and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read an early copy of Never Too Soon. π