K.J. Simmill's Blog, page 7
February 19, 2021
Book review: Andrei Saygo – Oath Breakers (@AndreiSaygo)
Robert thought he had his life on track. He was part of a successful upstart, he trained diligently, oh and he saved unsuspecting people from invisible assassins only he could see. This was the hand he’d been dealt since his parents were murdered, but never did he expect something magnificent to rise from it, and that something was Dea. He saved her from an attack, unaware he was being drawn into something he could never imagine. A secret world of magic, and it’s hungry for blood.
Oath Breakers is the first book in Andrei Saygo’s DC Coven series. This kind of book is an amalgamation of a paranormal and fantasy lovers dreams. The author creates a detailed and believable magic system that is explained and explored smoothly as part of an involved and gripping plot filled with mystery, secrets, and romance. Being the first book in the series I loved at the hints of things yet to come, questions left hanging, and snippets of information expertly fed I just need to know the answer to. The cast of characters are as imaginative as they are unique, and I enjoyed their varied personalities. The plot moves from strength to strength as Robert is drawn deeper into a world he knows nothing about, uncovering things he never dreamed possible. This is the kind of book that gets you hooked on a series, and I am already eager to uncover what may come next.
Book review: Emily Stormbrook – Chasing Starlight (@EmilyStormbrook)
Two years ago, Liam had been rescued from the drug and sex trafficker, Woodroe, by Marrok, forming a fast and loyal bond between the berserker and this alpha. While an alpha himself, Liam’s wolf is content to defer to the man who saved him, content to take his place as beta at the Elswyth Chase Pack. For two years, Liam did nothing but keep the pack’s best interests at heart. That was, until he laid eyes on Sirona. This silver-haired siren had captivated him from the moment he laid eyes upon her. There was only one problem, she was his brother’s mate. Little did he know Sirona had been guarding a secret her entire life, she had been on the run for years, and with her twenty-first birthday closing in, her past returned to haunt her, putting Liam, and everyone around him in danger. He’d not only taken his brother’s mate, he’d stumbled into something that could change the very balance of power amongst the clans.
Chasing Starlight is the second book in the Elswyth Chase Series by Emily Stormbrook, and what a read it is. Having read Hel to Pay I was keen to get my hands on this gem, and found myself amazed at the diversity of the author. While book one centred around Marrok and Hel, this book focused on Liam and Sirona’s story, and what a story it was. Filled with darkness and romance, there were times when the sentiments were so moving, so heart-wrenching, that I found myself rereading the lines that stirred such powerful responses in me. I loved this story, it had everything from romance and heartbreak, to danger, secrets, and betrayal. One thing I particularly enjoyed, was that Sirona uses sign language to communicate, in the Timberland Pack, but a few people had learnt how to sign, so you get a real feel for the isolation that was being forced upon her. As for Luke, I wanted to wrap my hands around this throat and choke the life out of him, and I have a sneaky suspicion we’ll be seeing him again in later books. This was an amazing read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a paranormal romance with hot and steamy scenes, sweet romance, and escalating danger. This is definitely one of those rare books I see myself rereading in the future.
February 18, 2021
Book review: Amy Johnson – Caged (@AmyJohnson895)
Eden was used to looking after everyone else. She lived to raid, she was skilled at walking unseen amongst the machines, and committed to memory everything she needed needed know in case challenged, but with the human numbers diminishing and the machines evolving, it was getting more difficult to remain unseen, and security on the much needed supplies was becoming tighter. When a mission goes south she finds herself plunged into a terrifying new reality, where her captors are not just content to observe, they want to find out what makes her tick, break her, make her into one of them. If she can’t resist she will seal the fate of all those she loves, those she has spent her life protecting.
Amy Johnson’s Caged is the first book in the Idyllic series. Suspense, tension, heartbreak, and action all combine in a dystopia world where man is no longer master, in fact, they are prey, harvested for their bodies, used and utilised for parts, and in some cases kept for entertainment. This dark and dangerous world will capture your attention from the onset, with high action, high-stakes events. The world is brilliantly developed, as are the characters, you can’t help but be pulled along on their emotional journey and become invested in their life and survival. I loved how the author gave a complete sense of the world, technology, strife and struggles smoothly while not compromising on character development. This isn’t just a read that caters to sci-fi lovers, anyone who enjoys a strong plot, relatable characters, and action and adventure will find this book has much to offer. It’s one of those reads you just don’t want to put down.
February 16, 2021
Book review: S P Dawes – The Vine Cross
Hayley had thought she’d got the fresh start she needed, that she’d escaped her past. She finally has a job she enjoys, a place to call home, and at least some semblance of peace. But the past has a way of catching up to a person when they least expect it. Just like she wasn’t expecting to cross paths with Jesse, she wasn’t expecting trouble to find her. For years she had been guarded, unwilling to trust, but there was something about Jesse that made her want to take a chance. But her past is always there, haunting her physically and mentally, and its closer than she thinks. This time her past is playing for keeps.
The Vine Cross by S.P. Dawes is a riveting and engaging crime fiction. From the moment I opened that first page I knew I was in trouble when I was met head on with engaging and relatable characters. I read it all in a single sitting, unable to tear my eyes away from the page, desperately needing to know what happened next. With a harrowing past, Hayley is a strong female character forced to endure things no one should, and Jesse, our guarded hero, has his own insecurities, but not when it comes to her. This book in an engaging, thrilling, emotional ride that really gets you hooked from the start. Secrets, manipulation, desperation, and a race against time combine in a brilliantly structured plot. A serial killer is on the loose, the new wave of drugs on the street are killing people, and Hayley’s past has finally caught up to her with a promise of her destruction. The Vine Cross has everything you could ask for in a crime story and more.
February 15, 2021
Book review: Julia Cowan – Us vs The Rest of the World (@juliacowan74)
Since her father’s death Maddie has been worried about her mother, more so these last few days, she’s been forgetful, absent minded, and her behaviour sometimes has been downright strange. When a news broadcast reveals a string of bizarre events unfolding their small hometown goes to hell. Cut off from the rest of the world, Maddie, Cody, and the other children must act quickly to uncover the truth behind the adults’ unusual behaviour and find a way to survive in a world where they can only rely on each other.
Us Vs The Rest of the World is a dystopian survival written by Julia Cowan. This is a survival tale that will grab you right from the start and thrust you into a refreshingly original dystopian plot. The world is crumbling, falling to social ruin and the children are the only ones left untouched by this hostile development. With a cast of unique and well developed characters you will be desperate to uncover what fate has in store as they fight for survival and the future. I enjoyed the adapting relationships, the realistic antagonization, and the evolving threats. Well written with a smooth narrative that will get your heart racing as you watch the dangerous future unfold and choices be made about how this new world should survive.
February 14, 2021
Book review: Maggie Cole – Kiss of Redemption
For ten years he said nothing. He sat in prison, isolated and alone, accused of a murder he didn’t commit. It wasn’t just any murder though. As far as the world was concerned he’d killed his best friend, Clay, and Clay’s little sister, Mia. When his parole finally came around he felt the earth move beneath his feet. But it wasn’t the fact he’d been granted his freedom that course his world to tremble, it was the vision of the dead who stood looking at him, her eyes filled with hurt and questions. Mia. He’d been told she was dead, but now she was back, and as soon as anyone discovered she was here his years of silence wouldn’t matter. He needed to protect her, but will she even let him close when she believes he is the one responsible for her brother’s death?
Kiss of Redemption is the first book in Maggie Cole’s Together We Stand Series. Centred around Beckett and Mia. It’s an engaging read filled with questions, suspense, and romance as Mia and Beckett find themselves and each other. With Beckett’s silence came a guarantee, but now Mia is back and asking questions, unaware of the danger she is putting everyone in. The truth was hidden for a reason, silence kept and time paid. He lost ten years of his life, and if Mia isn’t careful he’ll lose everything he needed to protect, even her. Well-written, perfectly paced, with characters you can’t help but connect with. An enjoyable read beginning to end.
February 13, 2021
Book review: Emily Stormbrook – Mastering Sin (@EmilyStormbrook)
Ivy Sinclair had been through hell. She had barely survived her captor, and she certainly hadn’t been left in one piece, she was broken, hurting, and unable to face the horrors of what she had endured. Her mind is a prison, her only escape in the mindset she was trained to embrace, an escape she is no longer being granted. When the psychiatrist threaten to have her committed Miles realises he must do whatever it takes to keep her beside him. He has loved her for years, and now, with the help of Devon, he will discover a part of himself that he never knew existed, a part that holds the key to Ivy’s survival.
Mastering Sin is the second book in the Addicted to Sin series. I don’t know where to start with this review. Ivy was put through hell, and I hurt for her. Having read the first I already loved Miles, he is such a sweet character, which made the experimental side of him he embraced all the more alluring. I enjoyed the initial uncertainty and the building of confidence as he explores a scene he knows nothing about. The sex scenes are hot, the torture scenes disturbing, and I loved every minute of this emotionally charged and gripping read. I can’t wait for more.
Book review: Ivy Smoak – Going for Gold (@IvySmoakAuthor)
Alina had had worked hard, she had overcome obstacles, heartbreak, and challenges to get to where she was today, and where she was, was the Summer games, desperate to win a gold medal so she could make her dreams come true. What she didn’t count on though, was being pitted against her arch nemesis, a woman who had done everything she could to sabotage her. She must stay focused, keep the gold firmly in her sights, but how can she when the hottest hunk at the games keeps staring at her like that? It’s bad enough the athletes are on a sex ban, but when he looks at her like that she can barely remember her name, let alone what she’d meant to be doing.
Going for Gold is the third stand alone book in the sweet Cravings series. Riddled with humour, romance, and unforgettable characters you’ll be hooked from the start. If writing was an Olympic event, Ivy would take home gold every single time because she consistently delivers amazing books. Hot, hilarious, and seductive Going for Gold is another must read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are just that, fantastically developed personalities that add life and humour to a gripping and immersive tale. If you haven’t picked up any of her books yet, start today, you’ll be hooked.
PS this book is now available on Chapters too, so check it out and play along with one of the hottest storylines around.
February 10, 2021
Book review: Rekindled Sparks – Kathryn Jayne
Maya wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, to become a surgeon, but when shortly after his death her boyfriend vanished her life altered course. It wasn’t just the fact Raiden had vanished without a trace, it was that no one even remembered the man who had brought so much joy to her life. Determined to find him she transfers to the medics, keeping watch on the streets hoping to find him. But recently something strange has been happening, people whose lives she has saved are turning up dead, targeted by a serial killer whose sole focus seems to be on her. Can she uncover the serial killers motives before it’s too late?
Rekindled Sparks by Kathryn Jayne is yet another sweet romance from the Tales of Mython series. I have to say, wow, there was a surprise in this book I just didn’t see coming, it was one of those that, now I’ve read the book, I really want to discuss with everyone because it was simply a work of genius. Having read all the previous stand alone books in the series, I have to admit, Raiden and Maya may be my favourite couple, there is an electricity between them that can’t be ignored. Danger, surprises, and romance, this book will keep you on the edge of your seats, and you’re bound to love the surprise as much as I did, because I’ve never seen it done before, and I read a lot.
Book review: Ivy Smoak – Those Summer Nights (@IvySmoakAuthor)
Mila had never felt at home at her university, the only thing that had made it remotely bearable was the fact she had found Aiden. His friends became hers, but just when she thought he was about to propose the unthinkable happened. Fighting her way to summer break she decides to use this time to discover herself, but instead she discovers JJ, a smoking hot lifeguard she just can’t stay away from. Hurt and broken she tries to keep her distance, but fate has other plans. But can she trust another person when every man in her life has let her down?
Those Summer Nights is a book in Ivy Smoak’s Sweet Cravings series. There is only so many times I can praise this author without getting repetitive, but she continues to deliver relatable, engaging characters complete with flaws, struggles, and quirks. I love how, as a reader, we are transported directly onto the characters lives and feel every bit a part of them as those involved in the story. All the steamy and passion I’ve come to expect from this author. No matter the setting, no matter the characters, Ivy delivers. And if you pick up Those Summer nights, you’ll not only fall in love with Mila and JJ, but the very essence of summer, friendship, and romance.
I read this on KU last year but purchased it to reread this year.
