The Room Beyond by Stephanie Elmas

The Room Beyond is Stephanie Elmas' first novel and what a novel it is. I was lucky enough to receive and advanced reading copy of this book from Netgalley and I'm so glad I did. I couldn't put it down!

It is set both in the present and past tense, which chapters going back and forth between the two time zones. The main focus of the story is 36 Marguerite Avenue, where Serena has just taken up a position in the present time, as a nanny to 4 year old Beth. But as she gets to know the family she also uncovers lots of secrets and mysteries surrounding the house and the intriguing disappearance of house number 34.

After reading the book, I have found out that Stephanie has completed a Masters degree is Victorian literature and it certainly shows in this book. The house is described brilliantly and you can certainly understand the different time zones. The characters are also masterfully created and you really start empathising with some of them and hating others. There were also parts that made your stomach wrench as they were so disgusting and unbelievable.

The only thing that I wasn't sure about was the title. I couldn't work out which 'room' the title was referring to and think that it might not be quite the right one. There were several key rooms involved in the story and in fact it was the whole house that took precedence, rather than just one single room - as the title implies.

But this is just a minor detail and shouldn't put you off reading it. I would certainly recommend 'The Room Beyond. It's an easy to read mystery story which has an unexpected twist at the end and will leave you wondering and guessing after every chapter.

The Ghost House by Helen Phifer

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reading copy of this book from Netgally and I have to say that I loved it!

I really like ghost stories so this appealed to me straight away and from the first page I was hooked.

It tells the story of Annie, who takes over being caretaker of an old run down house whilst her brother is out of the country. She is a police officer who has had a problem relationship and is glad of a little time on her own. However things don't quite go to plan.

She decides to explore the old house and stumbles upon a diary and some ghostly figures at the same time. The diary was written by a servant who used to live in the house, and that is the girl who Annie keeps seeing.

The story is told from several points of view, including lots of extracts from the diary, which really add to the atmosphere of the book. The house is described perfectly, and you can really get a feel of what it was like to live there - during the good and the bad times.

Having said that, there were a few downsides to the story. I felt that some of the characters had very basic conversations which felt quite forced, and not natural. Maybe it was just me, but it felt like some conversations didn't really flow very well.

Also, there were a few things towards to end that got forgotten about. It was never revealed what exactly happened to the servant girl in the end and I felt there was a big chunk missing that could have been finished better. There was also a character at the end who got forgotten and then suddenly reappeared - I can't really explain without giving the ending away!!

But overall this is a really heart-warming, and scary little tale. It incorporates some clever historical facts as well and I will certainly recommend it. It is a perfect story to read now the colder weather is drawing in as well!

S.E.C.R.E.T by L Marie Adeline

I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I actually read these books out of order - I read the second book first and really enjoyed it. I didn't need to read the first book to understand what went on. However, as I really enjoyed it I thought I would read the first one too to see what I missed.

And it turns out that I didn't miss much! This first book did not have me as hooked as I was previously and in fact I skim read most of it to just get to the good parts.

The story did explain to me how Cassie comes to join S.E.C.R.E.T and what she was like before she did, and also the relationship between her and Will (which I thought was going to be made a lot more of). But it was far too wordy and full of description, the second book is much more erotic and there are far more descriptions and actions.

In this book, Cassie describes how frustrated she is by her first few steps because the men don't actually have full blown sex with her, they leave her wanting more - and it was making me frustrated as well. I also found that the fantasies weren't quite as exotic as they were in the second book, and weren't quite as exciting.

I would certainly recommend the S.E.C.R.E.T series to others but probably say that they shouldn't bother with this one and just skip to the second book as they will probably get more enjoyment from it.

Touch: The Dining Club Part 5, by Marina Anderson

I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

And so it carries on, straight on from the last one, with Grace going to her 3rd trial - the penultimate one. As the trial is happening, she realises that David's motive might not be as she originally thought and this worries her. But fear not, because Andrew has taken a liking to her and wanted her to himself, therefore wanting her to fail her next trial.

David has changed from the nice character he was at the beginning to someone not so friendly and it is looking like Andrew might be the one for Grace now. But as Andrew is starting to say something to Grace, the story ends (hence, making you want to read the next one and spend another £1.49 for 15 minutes of pleasure - or pain). It is getting a bit annoying now and would quite easily be made into one story, and cheaper for the reader. If you want to read all 8 parts it will set you back £11.92, which is far more expensive than a normal e-book. I don't think the story is that outstanding or gripping to make me want to pay that much to read them all!

Seduce: The Dining Club Part 4, by Marina Anderson

I was provided with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. Seduce is the 4th instalment of the Dining Club saga and to be honest, nothing much happened in this story. The instalments seem to be getting shorter and shorter with nothing really going on. I read it in all of about 15 minutes and of course, because it ended at the crucial point, I was left wanting to read the next one.

Andrew and Amber are planning Grace's third trial and they don't want to see her succeed, we Amber in particular but Andrew as well, for different reasons. Then the last chapter tells of when Grace and David arrive at the Dining Club and David asks Grace to pleasure him for a change. Then it ends and you need to read the next one to find out what happens at the trial.

Crave - The Dining Club Part Three, by Marina Anderson

Crave is the third instalment of the Dining Club saga, which is split up into several, very short stories. This one in particular is very short - only 8,000 words and was over before it had even started!

It carries on from the previous instalment, with Grace facing her next trial at the Dining Club. There wasn't as much build up and suspense as the second one, and the sex parts seemed like they were just thrown in there for the sake of it.

There isn't much more I can say about it, apart from the fact that I enjoyed it, having read it in about 20 minutes and am looking forward to reading the next instalment, which will hopefully finish off the story of Grace's second trial at the Dining Club.

Bound: The Dining Club Part 2 by Marina Anderson

I received an advanced reading copy of this book from Netgally and it's the second part of the book Desire.

This story was a lot more sensuous and erotic than the first, with a long description of a 'trial' that takes place once you have entered The Dining Club and it actually made me squirm - in a good way!

Grace has decided that she would follow David and enter the dining club - which was inevitable after the first book because if she didn't there wouldn't be a part 2! And the story describes their erotic weekend away.

It didn't end on quite as much of a cliff hanger as the first one, but storylines were built up which leaves the reader wondering what will happen next.

Again, I think it's just a bit too short - again at only 10,000 words, and could have easily been combined in with part 1, but I really enjoyed it - probably a bit more than the first one.

Parts three and four have also been requested from Netgalley so watch out for posts on those here soon.

Desire: The Dining Club Part One by Marina Anderson

I received an advanced reading copy of this story on Netgalley and I'm glad I did. It's a short story - only 10,000 words, so took me only a short while to read it, and is designed to be read as part of a series. So far I know there are 4 in the series and I think there may be more as well.

It is in the 'erotica' genre on Netgalley because it is a very sexual story - in fact the first paragraph is a description of a sexual act between Grace and David. Their relationship is going well, but David wants to introduce Grace to The Dining Club, which is more than what the name suggests.

Although I really enjoyed this story I did feel that it was far too short. It ends on a cliff hanger - will she/won't she - which makes the reader want to go out and read the next instalment, but if I had bought this I would have felt a bit cheated. It's shorter than a short story and feel that perhaps part 1 and 2 could have been combined together. I was surprised when this story ended as it hadn't really begun.

However, it was well written - the characters were built up well in a short space of time and the descriptions certainly did what they were meant to do.

I would certainly recommend it to fans of the erotica genre, but it's just a small snippet into a larger part and you will need to read all of them to feel satisfied!

The Troop by Nick Cutter

I was lucky enough to receive a preview reading copy of this book from Netgalley and I chose it because it was advertised as being one of the most frightening books of the year.

However, I'm afraid I didn't get very far into it before I got bored! Nick Cutter is a pseudonym for a short novel writer but it looks like he went from one extreme to another in this novel. There was too much description for my liking, and not enough action.

A group of Scouts and their leader spend a few days on a lonely island - which is the norm for them, when a creature descends on them and turns their stay into their worst nightmare.

The creature was described very well, and it was disgusting. I tend to read most on my lunch break so found myself reading horrible descriptions of him whilst eating - which really wasn't the best combination!

But the description of the scouts I found boring and unnecessary. I also felt that the creature arrived to the island very quickly - within the first few pages, and I could only see the book going one way - the group chasing around the island trying to hide from him/kill him/get away from the island.

I felt that it was a very manly book, and although I am a fan of crime and horror, this book just wasn't for me. I gave it as much chance as I felt was necessary and don't think I will have the desire to finish it. I think it would suit readers who are fans of Stephen King novels but I don't think I would recommend it as I don't know enough about it.

S.E.C.R.E.T Shared by L. Marie Adeline

I received an advanced reading copy of this book from Netgalley, and I am so pleased that I did - I really enjoyed it!

It's the second book in the S.E.C.R.E.T series and although I hadn't read the first novel, it didn't matter as the story is pretty stand alone and the bits that are missed are explained well.

The novel tells the story of Cassie, whose story started in the first novel and is continued in here, and Dauphine, who is a new recruit to the S.E.C.R.E.T society.

It was a simple novel, with not much of a plot line, but boy was it sensuous. The organisation helps women fulfil their sexual fantasies, but also use them to grow as individuals and develop in life. For each fantasy that they carry out, they receive a charm for their bracelet, which they wear with pride. The experiences that were told made me wishing that this society was real, and I would jump at joining up if so!

The characters were well developed and liked, and each fantasy was expertly described, leaving nothing to the imagination. It was pure eroticism and certainly left me wanting more!

I would certainly recommend this to those who are fans of 50 shades of grey, although there is a lot less bondage and domination involved, and more of the sexual descriptions. I am now going to read the first one, because I am already getting withdrawal symptoms, and cannot wait for the next one to be released.

Love Struck by Chantelle Guertin

This novel tells the story of Poppy, a 27 year old who lives in Toronto and works as a style adviser. One day, her husband Parker gets struck by lightening and forgets the last 3 months of his life, which include having an affair.



The book follows Poppy as she tries to re-build her marriage after Parker turns into a different person, but also after learning of his affair, from the woman he was having it with!

It is a very tongue in cheek book and half of the things that happen in the book probably wouldn't happen to anyone in real life. It was a comedy of errors, with the biggest error being Poppy not communicating with her husband and trying to turn herself into someone she thinks he wants her to be.

I got through the book quite quickly, and that's partly because I really enjoyed it, and partly because some parts bored me and I skipped over them. There were several sections in which I didn't think it was relevant and lingered on the subject for slightly too long, but overall I enjoyed it. Poppy was built up to be a likeable character and there were times where I wanted to scream at her 'just talk to him!' She did some outrageous things in order to try and win her husband back and it was actually quite funny.

I would recommend this book to people who like an easy read - perhaps a book they can take away on holiday with them. I certainly enjoyed it and will look out for more books by the same author.

The Summer We All Ran Away by Cassandra Parkin

I received an advanced reading copy of this book from Net Galley, and I'm so glad that I did because I really enjoyed it.

It is written in the past and present, switching between the two in alternate chapters, and normally I don't like this, but I felt that it really worked in this book.

The story focuses around an old derelict house in which four people are living who have run away. They all have different stories to tell about why they ended up in the old house, and the house itself tells a story as well.

I thought that the characters were very likeable and I warmed to them all. There was not one character who I disliked in any way. The past linked to the present very well and there were lots that kept me reading, in order to find out who was who and what the answers were to the many questions that were going through my head throughout the book. I thought I had figured it out, but as always, there was a nice twist at the end, which left me feeling happy and contented.

It was quite an easy book to read, there was nothing complicated or boring about it. Sometimes when a story flits between past and present, things can get confusing, but I didn't find this with this book.

I will certainly be recommending this - it's a great summer read and will also brighten a dull winters evening. In fact, I think maybe reading it when there is a storm outside will give a better atmosphere as it will bring the empty house and it's ghosts to life. I certainly think that this book should be a must read for anyone!

This is a Love Story by Jessica Thompson

This is a Love Story stood out to me in the library because of it's lovely pale turquoise coloured cover, so I picked it up and checked it out. Now, I should have listened to those people who say 'you should never judge a book by it's cover'.

I hate to be so negative about a book so I will try not to, but I didn't enjoy this at all. I think I had some expectations about what would constitute a love story and this didn't meet any of them.

It is written about two main characters - Sienna and Nick, and swaps between each of their points of view throughout the book. They meet on the train one morning, and then just happen to be working for the same office, and the reason they didn't know this fact was that Nick had been away on holiday while Sienna had started her new job there.

The first thing that annoyed me was that the facts didn't add up. Maybe it was because I was skim reading through it and missing parts, but the time Sienna had been working at the company didn't match the time Nick had been on holiday for.

Each section kept describing how both of them really liked (and possibly even loved) the other one, yet there was the absence of any sexual chemistry, flirting or attraction. They were described as being just friends, and yes probably best friends, but I was disappointed at the lack of chemistry between them.

I've read quite a lot of romance novels, and there is usually some sort of hint of some attraction, which this book was lacking.

I have to say that I only got half way through it and then I got bored. There really wasn't anything exciting going on and nothing that would want to keep me reading it. I didn't really care if Sienna and Nick got together in the end, because their characters weren't built up to be like able enough to care much about them. So I took it back to the library.......

I'm afraid I won't be recommending this book as I can't really like of anything positive about it or who might like it. I feel that there are better, more heart warming romance novels out there instead....sorry!

Tampa by Alissa Nutting

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reading copy of this book through NetGalley and when I saw that it was advertised as being the most controversial book of the year - I had to read it.

And my initial reaction to this book is - WOW! They weren't wrong.

It tells the story of Celeste Price, who is a teacher in Tampa, USA. She is married to a devoted husband and outwardly, leads a normal life. But she is attracted to 14 year old boys and has launched her teaching career for one reason only...so that she can seduce them.

Now, if you thought 50 Shades of Grey was graphic and controversial, then this is 100 times worse. Tampa makes 50 Shades look like a children's novel in comparison.

There were times when I was reading this book and I thought that I really shouldn't be. Sometimes it was easy to forget that the person Celeste was doing these things to was a 14 year old boy and that it is frowned upon and actually, illegal.

I don't really want to shout about this book too much, because is it wrong that I enjoyed it?! Surely it should have made me feel sick and twisted, enjoying reading about the things Celeste is doing, but I did actually get hooked, only for the reason that I wanted to know what would happen to Celeste and would she get her comeuppance?

The ending actually disappointed me. With the fast paced, exciting writing throughout the book, by the time is got to the last 10%, it dragged and really wasn't interested. I skipped thorough it, reading a few lines here and there and the actual last paragraph was awful. It was almost like the author had put so much work into getting the graphic details into place, the ending was just an afterthought in order to bring it to an end. I'm not sure how I would have made it different but I don't think it was right.

I think you have to be very open minded to be able to enjoy this book and it's certainly not for the feint hearted. I would recommend it, but only if you are willing to take it with a pinch of salt and enjoy graphic images and descriptions - because there certainly are a lot!

Light in a Dark House by Jan Costin Wagner

Jan Costin Wagner is a German crime writer who has set his novels in Finland and this novel is one in a series that feature the policeman Kimmo Joenta.

This was the first book I've read by this Author and I'm a big fan of Swedish crime so I thought I would try something else in the Nordic crime genre. Kimmo Joenta is the main policeman in the story and as well as discovering the murderer, Kimmo is also struggling with the woman who walked out on him, who has no name. This thread turned out to be a very small sub plot, but was made out to be a big deal in the first couple of chapters.

The different names of all the characters were very hard to follow, partly because they were foreign names and partly because there were so many different ones. Because of this, I did lose the plot a bit at times and forgot which character had done what.

Overall I liked this book. The plot and the murders were interesting and there was definitely a mystery surrounding the deaths which made me read on to try and find out what was going on. However, I think that it could have been made more simple, with less sub plots and descriptions, as many of these were never followed up on or completed. There were also too many characters and half of them could have been left out - unless this was just me getting lost in them all, but I do think the same could have been done with a lot less characters.

For me, the ending was a bit of an anti-climax as well. The mystery of the murders was slowly unravelled over the last quarter of the book and then just kind of came to an end and stopped. There was no unexpected twist and no cliff hanger.

I would recommend this book to those readers who are crime fans and who like Swedish or Nordic crime, although I don't think I will be reading this again. I would describe it as a 'nice' crime story because there weren't any brutal murders or twists and it just kind of told a story and then ended.

Summer Kisses by Sarah Morgan, a Mills and Boon special

Ok, so I admit now that this is a review of only half the book and that's because the book itself is split into two.

The first half follows the story of Flora, a single Girl who works and lives on the small island of Glenmore. And Connor, who was once the islands bad boy, who comes back looking for a better life, and to make amends. It is focused round the islands doctors surgery, where both Connor and Flora work.

It is a simple story and quite predictable and has all the ingredients for a Mills and Boon novel, however I thought it was lacking. As the story only takes up half the book, it lacks on certain details and could be made more of. The ending was also very rushed and a bit out of keeping with the rest of the story. The character of Connor changed too quickly.

Having said that though, I enjoyed it and was a nice summer romance to enjoy. As I said above, there is a second story in the book which I've not read yet, which also takes place on Glenmore. I'm not sure if it links with the first story, as there are different characters but I will post my second review after reading. I wasn't in the mood to start a similar story straight after the first!

The Last Girl by Jane Casey

This was the first book I had read by Jane Casey and I'm afraid to say that it didn't do it for me. It started really well with a double murder and an uninterested father. There were some interesting finds about the people who were killed, however these finds were not really delved into much more.

All the concentration went on the uninterested father who was also a lawyer and who had some enemies, but nothing if significant interest was uncovered.

By the time I got halfway through the book I had to give up. It felt like I was reading another book altogether. There was mention if a post mortem but the results hadn't been revealed and no other murders had taken place. There was more focus on relationships between the colleagues investigating than there was on the horrific murder.

I have been finding it hard recently to be excited about crime novels so me not enjoying it might just be down to my current mood. I would urge other crime fiction lovers to try it as it might be good for them, but I couldn't finish it, which was a shame.