Review: Dirty Irish

Dirty Irish by Magan Vernon
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

DNF at 51%.

So, this series is based the premise that in this day and age a father can leave his multi-million euro pub and whisky business to his three sons on the proviso that they must each be married within six months (and stay together for at least six months), otherwise the business will be offered to the highest bidder by the board. I liked the first one, I thought it was sweet, but I summed up my feelings on the second book as follows:

I really struggle to get my head around this series. The men are too young to be running a multi-million euro business and the board are all too old and cliched. The big misunderstanding between Grace and Jack I just can't get my head around at all. I don't understand why he was angry/upset. Overall, everyone felt like a caricature.

Unfortunately the decline continues with this the third book which features Sean the rugby-playing brother. I think if you live in a country which doesn't play rugby you may enjoy this more, however to an Englishwoman (who doesn't particularly even like rugby or understand the rules so the bar is set quite low) the staggering lack of basic understanding of rugby is painful. This reads like someone once told Magan Vernon about rugby in a pub and she has used what she can remember in a book. So Sean wants a contract to play for the All Blacks, something he's been working for since he was 14 years old. Sorry to break it to you Sean but unless you change your nationality you won't ever play for the All Blacks. Secondly, the All Blacks isn't a league team its the national rugby team of New Zealand so after changing nationality Sean would need to play for another rugby team (say the one he already plays for) and wait to be called up by the national squad. He'd have been better off wishing to play for Ireland. Then she tries to make a rugby allusion and refers to a "flaker" whereas the rugby position is "flanker".

Second, while I enjoyed the lack of brogue in the first book that is not the case in this book. Basically I get the feeling that Magan Vernon knows a few Irish phrases (eg mo gra) and a couple of Irishisms (like "feck") which she intersperses with standard English to make Sean seem Irish.

Third, Magan just doesn't understand the geography. She has Sean referring to his agent as having a British accent. Any Irishman can detect an English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Ireland accent - there is no such thing as a British accent to someone living in the British Isles, it would be like someone from California talking about someone having an American accent.

Fourth, she uses British slang wrongly. In one scene Sean asks a girl if she is "knackered", that means tired not drunk Magan Vernon.

Finally, I felt that every chapter ended exactly the same way, Sean's assistant Leah saying she's never laughed so much with a man before but this can't be anything more, she's just there to help Sean find a wife.

Overall, I found the lack of basic research/checking of facts to be off-putting and the plot was a rinse-and-repeat of the previous two books and I just couldn't be bothered to read the rest of the book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: Mistletoe in Texas

Mistletoe in Texas by Kari Lynn Dell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I think you can read this as a stand-alone it makes more sense if you have read the previous books and understand the interactions between the characters.

Hank Brookman was a rodeo bull-fighter but a messed up home life and feelings of insecurity have plagued him all his life then his rashness leads him into a potentially calamitous situation and gets him fired by the people he considered family. Then a moment of indecision left another rider crippled for life and Hank himself suffering injuries. He has spent months living like a squatter on a Reservation with an elderly woman, blaming himself for everything. Then when his landlady/employer dies he is kicked off the Reservation and his sponsor Gil (owner of a trucking business based in Hank's hometown) offers him a job working for the trucking company and an apartment. Suddenly Hank will have to face the father who constantly criticised him, the girl he'd been best friends with since they were nine that he humiliated in front of half the town, his estranged sister and all the former friends and family that he's ghosted in the past three years.

Grace McKenna has been in love with Hank since she was nine years old. The daughter of a religious zealot she had a one night stand with Hank shortly after he lost his job(view spoiler)[, as luck would have it she became pregnant from that one night, when she tried to tell Hank (hide spoiler)] but he humiliated her in the local bar, drunk and ashamed he was unkind and dismissive. Now the sports doctor at the local high school Grace doesn't know how she can face the love of her life again, especially since she has now become friends with his sister Melanie and other women from his close circle of friends.

If you have read the previous books in the series you will have seen Hank as the cocky, know-it-all, brilliant bull-rider who lost everything because of bad decisions and ego. This is truly a Christmas redemption story as Hank learns to see himself through the eyes of others and builds bridges between himself and his father, with the help of his counsellor/friend Bing.

Other reviewers have criticised Grace's choices, I have to agree with them but I can also see why Grace did what she did, at the end of the day its a plot device and sets her aside from the usual way these stories go.

I loved seeing Hank growing and reestablishing himself in the community, apologising and moving on, changing his behaviour and owning his actions. I loved that he was all in and present with Grace, it may have taken him years to realise that his little red-haired girl, the one who cheered him from the sidelines, the one who shared her homework, the one who was always there for him, was his benchmark for all women and the love of his life but when he does ... he's there no matter what.

Overall, another feel-good romance full of love and redemption, hope and renewal, family (in all its forms) and Christmas.

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Review: Last Chance Rodeo

Last Chance Rodeo by Kari Lynn Dell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rodeo star David Parsons had success within his grasp, then a night of minor indulgence results in disaster. Four years later he's hit rock bottom and is a long way on the path to dragging himself back to being a contender but without his champion horse Muddy he can't reach the heights he did previously. Then a friend calls and says he's seen Muddy. For the first time in four years David feels optimistic until he meets Muddy's new owners.

I really like Mira Lynn Dell's novels, not too schmaltzy, not cookie-cutter, not too cliched. I liked the tussle David had between his very understandable desire to reclaim Muddy with his need to be fair and honourable towards the new owners, Mary and her adoptive son Kylan.

This novel had cowboys, strong heroines, social issues, roping, and just love in all its dimensions: family love; adoptive love; romantic love; etc.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: Dime a Demon

Dime a Demon by Devon Monk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And so we return to the little town of Ordinary, which is anything but. For those who haven't read this series, it centres on a small idyllic town where gods and goddesses like to holiday incognito amongst oblivious humans and any number of other supernatural beings. The three Reed daughters are the latest generation of a family which has kept the peace between humans and the supernatural.

In this novel the middle sister, Myra Reed is desperate to find a way to release her sister Delaney's soul from the demon Bathin but her quest is thwarted by the appearance of vortexes into the underworld appearing randomly in Ordinary accompanied by a dwarf pink unicorn!!

Romance, demons, knitting wars, a Slammin' Salmon Serenade, valkyries, Death and a unicorn - if that doesn't whet your appetite then I don't know what will!

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Review: About That Night

About That Night by Elaine Bedell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Place is a TV producer on a hit Saturday night TV show called Bonkers featuring a former mega-star, whose star is now failing rapidly, Ricky Clough. Elizabeth knows that the head of programming, Matthew is going to cancel Ricky's show and intends to create a pilot with football pundit, and Elizabeth's married lover, Harry Hutchinson, with a view to giving Hutch the prime time slot.

When Ricky dies on camera during his Saturday night slot everyone thinks he's just overdone it on booze and drugs but soon it seems as though there may be a more sinister reason.

I was lured into this by Claudia Winkelman's rave review because she is my girl crush but frankly I didn't find this even remotely funny. It may be true to life (the author was formerly a TV producer in the UK) but it didn't make it engaging or any of the characters any more likeable. frankly by the end of the book Elizabeth came across as borderline pathetic and oblivious to all the undercurrents despite being in the centre of the vortex, even the ending seemed trite and contrived.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a well-written insight into the back-stabbing, incestuous world of prime time TV with its excesses and absurdities then this is a good place to start.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: Lessons in Love

Lessons in Love by Belinda Missen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Eleanor Manning was married to a successful businessman, Dean, and had an enviable life of luxury in Melbourne until she discovers that her husband was having an affair with her best friend and another 'friend' was effectively aiding and abetting them. She returns to her home town to stay with her cousin Penny and take up the position as librarian in her old school.

On day one Eleanor is introduced to the impossibly handsome Marcus Blair, a fellow teacher, who epitomises everything she hated about her ex: sharp suits; handsome; charming; and a magnet for every female between the ages of five and ninety-five.

After a slow start I really enjoyed this romance as Ellie and Marcus spark off each other while organising the year book and the end of year awards ceremony. This was perfect holiday romance territory. My only quibble(s) were that sometimes I didn't quite understand what had gone on in a conversation which may or may not be related to the fact that I didn't understand some of the Australian cultural references.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: The Witchkin Murders

The Witchkin Murders by Diana Pharaoh Francis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars.

Four years ago Kayla's world imploded when wild magic exploded and the supernatural world (or Witchkin) declared war on the humans. Now there is an uneasy truce with humans and the technomages on one side and all Witchkin on the other. Kayla was a successful detective until the war, when wild magic hit she transformed into a terrible monster whenever she got wet. Unable to continue working for Portland PD she now scavenges for scarce resources like tampons and peanut butter in areas ravaged by wild magic. Returning from one such scavenge she comes across three murdered Witchkin and despite all her fears, calls her old partner Ray to let him know.

Ray and Kayla had a very bad falling out when she abruptly quit the force without any explanation and emotions have run hot and fierce ever since, strangely when they meet up again for the first time in four years Ray feels more lust and frustration than anything else. They go their separate ways until a high profile kidnapping of two of the most prominent (and wealthy) members of Portland society bring Ray and Kayla back into contact again.

First, the things I liked. The world-building was great, I liked the magic mixed with technomages and shifters and mythology (even though it did seem reminiscent of the glorious world of Kate Daniels). There were strong tensions between humans and Witchkin and I liked some of the uses of magic. I also liked the hitherto less-explored mythologies and the creature which Kayla shifts into - kudos for choosing something out of the ordinary.

Turning to what I didn't like. First Ray only seemed to have one expression, or variants thereof, "his d*&k went hard", it actually started to seem like an almost forced reaction - like he had been infected with magical Viagra rather than a normal reaction to a woman he is in love with. Second, Kayla can't for the life of her understand why Ray gets so worked up when she puts herself in danger - she is in such denial about their feelings for each other that it becomes exasperating - for goodness sake you're supposed to be a detective woman, get a clue! Third there were a couple of very clunky political messages/statements which jarred on me.

Overall, this was a promising start with an interesting world-building and plot, let down slightly by the romance side (as urban fantasy often is). Not in the same league as Ilona Andrews, although so few are, but an enjoyable read nevertheless and I look forward to reading more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: Project Duchess

Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Two and a half stars.

Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt is summoned to his step-father's estate when he receives news that his step-father Maurice has died unexpectedly. His mother had married three Dukes and had five children, three of whom were now Dukes in their own rights (following the deaths of their respective fathers). Grey has never forgiven his family for sending him to England to live with his abusive uncle when he was only a young boy, leaving him to grow up alone.

When Grey arrives he mistakes his step-father's niece Beatrice Wolfe for a maid or a representative from the undertakers, he is arrogant and abrupt for which Beatrice cuts him nicely down to size.

Originally Grey intended to spend only a night with his family before returning to London, but when his step-brother Sheridan shares his suspicion that Maurice was murdered, and indeed that his brother Armie was also murdered before him, Grey feels compelled to stay and help with the investigations, especially when suspicion falls on Beatrice's older brother Joshua.

Meantime, Grey's mother is determined to present Beatrice at court when she presents her own daughter Gwynn, ashamed that Maurice's brother Armie didn't do more for his niece. She forces Grey and his brothers to help in coaching the girls in the etiquette of high society, including teaching them to dance.

At first Grey cultivates Beatrice's company to further his investigations into Joshua but soon he is intrigued by her honesty, her beauty and her wit. But his childhood has made him slow to trust others, especially with his heart, and a lowly woman with no dowry is not a suitable candidate for the role of Duchess of Greycourt.

I really enjoyed the start of this novel, the idea of a woman who had been married three times, the hint of mystery, the feisty heroine and the supercilious hero - catnip I tell you!

Unfortunately, all too soon the focus of the novel turned to page after page after page of heavy petting and sexual encounters with little to no plot development. On and on it went, full of florid language like his 'large staff' and references to 'ravishing' and 'plundering', it felt repetitive and frankly derivative. I was also massively disappointed by the end(view spoiler)[ which left the identity of Maurice's killer a mystery (hide spoiler)]. This felt 'wrong', the heavy-handed use of historical words alongside the modern sexual attitudes just didn't sit right for me. Even the cover doesn't fit the novel, given that the family is in mourning and Beatrice is a poor relation.

I have only read one novella written by Sabrina Jeffries which I really enjoyed, maybe her writing style is more appealing to me in a shorter format.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: Darkness Rising

Darkness Rising by Katie Reus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three and a half stars - three stars for the first half but four stars for the second half.

Ancients are awakening everywhere but arguably the most formidable is Reaper, in hibernation for millennia he was one of the most feared dragon shifters, known as the Dragon of War. Greer is a Dragon healer, after a long ago romance with an aggressive warrior who tried to control her she knows her future is with a gentler shifter, maybe a healer like herself and certainly not like the uber-alpha Reaper.

The first part of the novella dragged a bit for me, it was all "me alpha you mate", "mine, mine, mine", "let me pleasure you" blah, blah, blah. Greer resists the dominant male and he doesn't understand modern technology and slang.

Then suddenly in the second half the plot really took over as a group of rogue Dragons try to decimate New Orleans and create a new world order. There were epic battles, plots, twists, and a stunning finale to what has been a wonderful series - fear not there will be a spin-off.

If you love PNR with pushy alpha males strolling around shirtless as much as possible and growling if other males so much as smile at their mate, alphas who are eventually tamed by their feisty females, then I'm sure you will adore everything about this novel. I still enjoyed it despite my initial concerns and look forward to seeing what this spin-off series brings to this strange new world.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Review: Nothing Personal

Nothing Personal by Rosalind James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Alec Kincaid is a millionaire genius with his own software business. He has a new idea which he is looking to finance, but the finance guys insist on appointing their own office manager/accountant to keep Alec and his partners in line. Apparently they have a reputation for partying and mild misogyny and over-running projects.

Desiree (Rae) Harlin was the ugly duckling at school, poorly dressed and working minimum wage jobs to pay for college. She remembers Alec Kincaid very clearly, his cool kid friends mocked her mercilessly and she has never really forgiven him. Is it good or bad that Alec doesn't recognise her when she is introduced as the new office manager. She is the best of the best and has to put up with name-calling and being hit on all the time by men who just can't believe a pretty woman can be good at her job. She is determined to keep Alec and his partners on the straight and narrow despite her attraction to the man who has just got more attractive with age.

Alec is trying to keep things between him and Rae professional but it isn't easy, and it looks like they have a spy in their midst trying to sell their new project to a competitor.

I liked this but I didn't love it in the same way I loved Alec's twin brother's book. I thought the identity of the spy was fairly obvious and Rae's constant belief that she wasn't good enough for Alec wore very thin.

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Review: The Bookshop on the Shore

The Bookshop on the Shore by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Single mum Zoe is struggling to bring up her son Hari in a tiny bedsit in Wembley so when an opportunity arises to relocate to Loch Ness, Scotland and act as au-pair to three children whilst also running a mobile bookshop she jumps at the opportunity, envisaging herself as a modern Mary Poppins reading books to rosy cheeked cherubs. The reality is somewhat different, the bookshop's customers rely heavily on the bookshop's owner Nina to know the books they want/need and Zoe is floundering. The children Zoe is supposed to look after are by turns rude, insulting and appear to exist entirely on toast and marmalade, the housekeeper is surly and unhelpful and the children's father is remote and takes little interest in his children's lives.

This reminds me of a book I've read before but I can't remember the name, it's also a bit like the plot of that Sophia Loren film Houseboat. The children have run off six previous au-pairs, in fact the youngest, Patrick, says he's going to call her Nanny Seven because she won't be there long enough for him to learn her name. Nine year old Mary is just plain rude and the oldest, Shackleton, is twelve but huge and seems to do nothing but eat. The children fight constantly, verbally and physically, the kitchen is antiquated and the house looks like Mrs Danvers will come round the corner any second.

This was utterly charming, you can't go wrong with surly children, small towns and books! I loved Zoe, such a capable character and good mother, the children were each individually great characters and I enjoyed the plot.

Recommended holiday reading.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.


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