Tuesday, 15 September 2020

Release Day Review: See Her Die by Melinda Leigh



See Her Die
by Melinda Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

See Her Die is book two in the Bree Taggart series. The narrative picks up where we left off in book one; Cross Her Heart. However, you can read this book as a standalone novel although I do recommend starting the series from the beginning.

Juggling life as the new sheriff and taking care of her niece and nephew along with her friend, Dana, Bree is struggling to find a work-life balance. The case she is working on is demanding and her deputies are not very co-operative. 

Matt agrees to accept Bree's offer of working as a consultant, It's not full-time work but it acknowledges his expertise. It's an unexpected opportunity to work as an investigator again, although someone isn't too happy to have him around. The new arrangement means he can continue work with his K-9. 

The primary focus between Bree and Matt is their working relationship, but it becomes clearer, the pair are developing feelings for each other. The subtlety of the connection means the case they are investigating isn't overshadowed. I expect that to change and am looking forward to seeing how the protagonists' attraction unfolds... two more books in the series are scheduled for release in 2021. 

Overall, See Her Die is an engaging, suspenseful novel. If you're looking for an intense narrative with fascinating characters and intrigue, this is a book you need to read.

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake via NetGalley***

View all my reviews

Friday, 11 September 2020

New Book Release Spotlight & Review: Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage



Christmas at Lock Keeper’s Cottage

Join us for Christmas in the Cotswolds in this perfect festive escape, from the bestselling Lucy Coleman.
Imogen Tolliman never knew her mother. And when an accident robs Immi of her father too, she goes to live with her grandfather, Tollie, in his picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina. 
Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in. 
When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.  
But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget - for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?
Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to a dreamy Cotswolds Christmas full of snowflakes and secretslog fires, mistletoe, friends and much-loved traditions. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft. 

Christmas in September! Christmas at the Lock Keeper's Cottage in my first festive novel of 2020. It's time to find a cosy spot to read and indulge in a favourite drink while enjoying Lucy Coleman's latest tale. 

All Imogen "Immi" Tolliman wants for Christmas is to be with the man she loves but will circumstances overrule what her heart desires? 

A long-distance relationship where love conquerors all… eventually. This gentle narrative meanders along as we get to know Immi and the people she identifies as her "family". 

Ms Coleman has written a heartfelt story about daily life and struggles within a beautiful rural setting. There's a strong sense of community within Ayesbury. It's a place where life-long connections are made regardless of background. It's a close-knit group of people, watching out for each other, just like relatives do within a large family unit. 

Festivities and celebrations bring everyone together and the adorable Santa Ahoy Christmas Cruises are a lovely example of getting into the spirit of things whether you're young or old. It's also a time to make plans for the future and to work and assist those who need it the most. The author's written relatable and likeable characters just like we are; working hard to do our best for those we love. 

Overall, the ending is satisfying in that Immi and Gray are together, however, some loose ends leave me wondering if Ms Coleman plans to update us on life in Ayesbury in the future… fingers crossed, it's a yes? 

***arc generously received courtesy of Boldwood Books via NetGalley***


Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Snowflakes over Holly Cove. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.