Yikes! This is a story that scares the crud out of me. I can easily see this happening. That being said…I Loved it! I have already recommended it to a few people. I easily felt empathy, anger, sadness and frustration. I was shocked at the behavior of a few of the characters and could feel the betrayal deep in my bones. The main lead impressed me with grit, determination and inner strength. I could not help but root for her with every page I turned.
This is a first time author for me. I immensely enjoyed this. The writing style kept me engaged and the story moved along at a good clip not getting caught up in unnecessary wording. Again…highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2023-02-18 07:05:292023-02-20 11:13:14Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Lisa Helmick
This story is written from a POV like it’s a memoir. Starts out a bit slow – not because of lack of detail, just not the normal type of writing I’m drawn to. However, this book really delves into a lot of detail and picks up several chapters in.
After Fenimore introducing himself and sharing background, you get into him leaving to go out and become a famous outlaw in the West. He really romanticizes what he expects to happen and things go astray pretty regularly, as the danger and close quarters bring about a lot of emotions. Fenimore realizes he is beginning to have feelings for one of his fellow outlaws, but being with another man is as dangerous as being an outlaw if not more so.
On top of dealing with his growing feelings and daily danger, he is dreaming often of a Man in Black who is a stranger to him – and now his fellow members of his group are being murdered and their bodies are being used to send messages. Who is after them all? Will anyone find out his secret? Will he stay safe from the murderer?
There are a lot of things happening in this book, but the detail is outstanding and it keeps you interested. If the beginning feels a little hard to read, keep going. It picks up and was a very well thought out and built story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-02-17 23:52:402023-02-20 11:12:59The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Shea Gilkerson 2/17/23
I don’t know if I have ever wanted to shake a character I just met so much in my life!!! There’s gullible and then there’s just dumb. Sam Crawford was definitely not blessed with the brains even if she thinks she can act. The ending of this book definitely had me doing a quick double take. I did not expect the last chapter, so that was cool twist to a very dark book. The writing was good and the book was easy to read – the character is just mentally exhausting to follow.
This is a dark, fast paced, psychological thriller that will leave you terrified to sleep with the lights off. While there isn’t much background information I found the information that was given just enough to read through the story without focusing too much on the why. If you have unresolved issues with abuse or alcoholism that can be triggered you should not read this book. If you love the dark side of life or enjoy the darker side of things this book is for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2023-02-17 03:59:392023-02-20 09:29:30Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool is a story like no other. The story starts a little slow for my taste but once it picks up the pace it gets interesting. This Western story will take you on a ride full of action and sexy moments. Pretty good story if you are interested in Western thrillers, action and MM Romance. Make sure to read the warnings beforehand.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Aranza Cardozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAranza Cardoza2023-02-16 22:14:592023-03-13 08:44:24The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Aranza
It’s hard to believe that this is the debut novel for L.R. Liverpool because this is a bombshell of a read! I was captivated from the first chapter and couldn’t read fast enough to see what happened next. I thoroughly enjoyed the mixture of drama, suspense, romance, and mystery all told from a memoir kind of perspective. The author has a great gift of making you feel for each character and really see through their eyes. There is great detail in building this world and each character which I absolutely loved. Fenimore leaves home and joins the well-known Red Evans gang to be an outlaw. Once he’s in the gang he realizes something is amiss as members are murdered in cold blood. Fenimore also begins to have romantic feelings for another member of his gang which doesn’t make his life any simpler. I loved this book and highly recommend picking it up to get lost in this amazing world the author has crafted!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-02-16 21:16:362023-02-20 09:25:43The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Shannen Kern
A gripping psychological thriller that I found hard to put down, this is a real page turner of a novel. Newley widowed and grieving Jacklyn Stone is struggling to stay strong, having been left bewildered following her husband’s death. Although Jacklyn is usually independent, confident and manages her garden shop, she finds her life spiralling into chaos. When her son and daughter suggest going on a brief holiday to a remote retreat, where she can grieve and heal she reluctantly agrees. However, it’s not long until she realises that the so-called retreat is actually a psychiatric facility, and now she’s checked in she can’t check out. Reeling from the shocking betrayal of her children who seem determined to keep their mother locked up, Jacklyn fights hard to establish her mental stability. I was hooked from start to finish by the tragic storyline and atmospheric setting of this novel. I really felt for the main character, Jacklyn who was a great heroine and who I felt engaged with throughout the story. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this immersive novel. A great read and one which I definitely recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-02-16 16:28:452023-02-20 09:22:04Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This book is so good. It is incredibly gritty and is full of suspense and mystery. I also really enjoy that this is told as if it is a documentary or a memoir. I feel that this storytelling technique really added to my enjoyment. It really took you right there with Fenimore. I really enjoyed Fenimore aka Simon and his quest to become a famous outlaw. I found that the book was a little slow in the beginning, but sticking with it is worth the reward, as this book is so good. I definitely recommend it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-02-16 16:06:212023-02-20 09:21:58The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Christine Baranek
This was a really gripping read. The twists and turns in this book had my head spinning and completely took me by surprise. The author writes in a way that you really get to feel every emotion that the lead character goes through. Her childhood is traumatic and she seems easily taken advantage of. Sam’s naivety really leads her into some dangerous and scary situations as she finds her way in life. I also like how the author starts at the present day with her little boy going missing before going back and telling us the tale of how she got to this situation in the first place. Sam leaves her past behind her and moves to LA to become an actress. However her plans aren’t working out how she wants. That is until she meets Corey. Corey is a charmer, he sweeps her off her feet and promises her everything she desires in return he wants her to have a baby. And so begins the twisted tale but when she is left alone but imprisoned its not the dream she imagined. Fast forward 4 years later and her little boy goes missing. Is this Corey finally making the exchange complete? Who is really the bad guy in this tale? This book was great in that you don’t know who to trust, who to believe and who is the actual mastermind and who is the person dragged along for the ride.
The Man in Black is a MM romantic thriller by L.R. Liverpool. The story takes the reader along on a journey with Fenimore James as he sets off to make a new name for himself, literally and figuratively. At the beginning of Fenimore’s journey, he transitions into his new self- Simon Shaw. As he travels west, he contemplates on his dreams of all the fame and glamorous lifestyle of being an outlaw. There are times where he feels like he should turn around and go back to his old life. But eventually his dreams are in reach and joins with Red Evan’s gang. It’s there, he makes some very confusing and deep revelations of himself and who he really is as a man he despises becomes his love interest. Members begin dying and the boss is on edge as he suspects it is one of their very own. Is this dream everything he really wished it could be or will he regret this adventurous life he sought out as it all takes a dark turn?
While this is certainly no quick read, the author has put a lot into this story and by the end of it, I felt like everything came together so well. So many feelings were felt along with Simon and just wished I could reach into the story and give him a big hug. The character growth and writing was immaculate and really kept me drawn in. I quite enjoyed this!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2023-02-16 12:36:552023-02-20 09:21:17The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Katie Turner
I’ve always been a fan of suspense/mystery/and thrillers. I’ve kinda lost interest in the last few years but lately I’ve been giving them a try again and now I remember why they’re so addicting! This was a good thriller. The only real issue I had with the book was the writing seems disconnected sometimes- which could be intentional for the book and I’m just a picky brat- but I’ve never read anything else by the author so I have nothing to compare it too. Other than that(l? Great. Loved the plot. Hated the characters. (In the best way!!) Some suspense/mystery/thrillers are predictable- but this one kept me guessing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jade Thomsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJade Thomson2023-02-16 02:58:292023-02-20 09:19:46Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jade Thomson
This is the first book I have read by Glenn Maynard, and I was not disappointed. As a fan of true crime and history in that sense the synopsis intrigued me with the ties to Lizzie Borden. The synopsis mentions that the book starts with an episode and lord does it. The perspective of the book is that of Troy Cullen a distant relative of Lizzie Borden. He is an only child and is currently 24 years old, only he still lives at home. Not because he can’t afford to move out but because his father is extremely violent and abusive and Troy lives to protect his mother. Until that day, returning home from work both of their cars are in the driveway which is strange but after searching the entire house he can’t find or hear any of them until he looks out a window into the back yard. On the family property was an old log cabin that was usually locked up like Fort Knox, having never seen anyone inside it the sight of movement draws Troy’s attention when he witnesses a tragedy, he always feared but knew was coming. Only after a lifetime of being told he would go to prison if something ever happened, he decides not to call the police but to coverup everything and keep his father alive and bound in the house. Life brings another twist when he learns that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his child. Being such a dysfunctional family in their small-town Veronica decides to dig into his family history, afraid she becomes determined to shield her unborn child from the evilness that lives within the family and genetics, but will it be enough? Will Troy follow in his ancestors’ footsteps? What will happen to Veronica and their baby? Can Troy break the cycle or is he doomed to forever be a monster? Becoming his father was never his goal but now he sees a monster is within him too. The world the author builds, the characters and scenarios are realistic and have meat too them. Being well fleshed out and three dimensional I found myself holding my breath is several places and rushing to finish the chapter to start the next. This book keeps you on your toes guessing what will happen next and how it will end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-02-15 21:21:332023-02-20 09:18:12Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Ayla Phipps
Nadija Mujagic’s The Exchange will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what twists and turns it will take next! I could not put this book down, right from the very beginning you are thrown into a mystery that will keep you asking, what happened to Jake? I love how the author starts chapter 1 with what is happening right NOW and then in chapter 2 she takes you back to the past 4 years prior and leads you back to the present to finish the book. Be prepared to be shocked at all the things that Sam goes through in her life before she gets back to her search for Jake. You will fall in love with several of the characters and others you grow to despise, beware that not everyone is who you think they are! There are parts that will have you in tears, and other times that you will be gnawing at your fingernails, anxious about what is going to happen next. @BrandyRymer 2/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-02-15 16:04:052023-02-20 09:15:19The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Brandy Rymer
Fenimore James is bored with his life, with his name, with his clothes, and everything about himself. He has always dreamed about leading a more exciting life and becoming a famous outlaw. Fenimore decides to runaway from home and change both his name and his appearance. On his way out west a chance encounter with a notorious outlaw has him joining the notorious Red Evans gang. Simon Shaw, as Fenimore now calls himself, gets more than he bargained for when the members of the Red Evans Gang start to get murdered one after another.
This book had a memoir feel to it as we read about Fenimore’s life and adventures first hand, and in his own words. Fenimore seems like a meek and mousy homebody so when he decides to join a notorious gang it comes as a bit of a surprise. How will Fenimore/Simon handle life as a gang member? Throughout his adventure Simon also finds an unlikely romance with one of the gang members. Gang life is complicated enough but to add a MM romance to it only complicates Simon’s life even farther. This book has action, adventure, mystery, and romance all in a historical western setting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-02-15 15:52:422023-02-20 09:15:11The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This is a gritty and action packed story, with a lot going on from start to finish. You can feel the passion the author has for this story from the detail that has been included. At times the story felt a little bit slower to read but the basis of it stayed strong and interesting. I was definitely intrigued to find out what was going on. The slow build really added to the story, creating a great thriller. I thought the characters all fit within the story well. This is the first book that I have read by this author and although there were times I wanted more pace, it was a good story. I will look to read more in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-02-15 15:34:412023-02-20 09:15:05The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Kerry Baker
Troy takes us on a journey like no other in this thrilling adventure. Troy is trying to live his current life while dealing with his past life. Temptation leads Troy down a dangerous path and it’s hard to determine if he is the hero or the victim of the story. I was hooked from the very beginning. If you like twisted thrillers, you’ll like this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Allenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Allen2023-02-15 11:27:122023-02-20 09:13:45Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard- review by Jennifer Allen
When I read the synopsis of this novel, I was intrigued. While for the most part I enjoyed this book, I struggled with finishing it. However, I did and while I found the ending to be tied up too neatly; I did enjoy how well-written the characters were. Although this book didn’t resonate with me, I would still recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Diane Sennetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDiane Sennett2023-02-15 10:27:082023-02-20 09:13:30Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Diane Sennett
Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. The book is long, it seems to me it could have been shorter and still give the same impact, but I am here to tell you, don’t let that stop you from reading this book, because it was fantastic. In the beginning I asked myself why I decided to take this on and by the end I felt like my heart was ripped out, the story was over and I was wishing it wouldn’t have. My emotions were up and down and there were times that I felt I had a grasp on who was killing the members of Red’s gang. By the end I was surprised at who the killer turns out to be, I didn’t see it coming, and my heart broke with the relationships and how they turn out. Simon seems like a good guy, I think his obsession with being in a gang and being notorious quickly became something he dreaded once he joined up with Red’s gang. But by the time he realizes he wants out, he has formed bonds and friendships he can’t imagine letting go. At first I hated Monty and by the end he was one of my favorite characters. Ford and Red quickly went down on my list, Ford seemed a little unhinged to me and Red seemed to be slowly going crazy with the murders happening. The way the romance is described is sweet and not detailed at all, the murderer and the way he murders is very inventive and fits in so nicely. I ended up really loving this book, I didn’t think I would because I am not really into western style reads. I look forward to more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2023-02-15 09:20:052023-02-15 09:20:05The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Carrie Reed
A lot of people have dysfunctional families and Chatroom with a View delves deep into the dysfunction of the Cullen Family.
Troy Cullen has a tortured past that is still hanging on tight is his present. When his father takes his abuse a little too far, Troy is left with many unresolved issues he has to make tough choices on.
Suddenly another wrench is thrown into his current situation when his ex-girlfriend, Veronica, announces she’s pregnant with his child. Troy spirals and plans to keep the trauma going.
When Veronica learns too much about Troy’s past, she finds that there are too many skeletons in the Cullen closet. She’s fighting for her desire to keep a family together and keeping her child safe. Who will survive and who will crumble?
Chatroom with a View has a unique, and terrifying storyline. However, something about it fell flat for me. I’m unsure if it was the story being told in third person or something else, but I really struggled to get into and stay engaged with this book. I’m willing to try something else from the author, as it was written well, but I will definitely pay attention to the POV prior to starting.
The book opens up with a bang and then slows down for a bit before hitting back harder and harder. If you are sensitive to topics about abuse, you may need to stay away from this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tia Martelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTia Martel2023-02-14 18:56:342023-02-20 09:10:07Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Tia Martel
This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very start! I was definitely impressed at how seamlessly the transitions from character to character were, with most chapters changing the point of view of the story one after the other. The story focuses on the story of Jacklyn after suddenly losing her husband at the beginning of the story, from what her experience is to what others around her can observe. Upon moving into Shore Lodge at the behest of her children, her life is thrown through a loophole, and I enjoyed watching her reactions to the events around her as she also learned to manage her own issues. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2023-02-14 17:55:462023-02-20 09:09:17Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kayla Kearney
This is book 2 in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. Hush My Darling is easily read as a stand-alone and you do not need to read book 1 to follow the story. Since I have not read book 1, I can not say if it directly follows the last book, but in this one, Lila Dayne comes face to face with her nightmare. She is in a new town and starting over from her past, where a serial killer was after her. With a new body now on her hands, she believes her past has come back to haunt her. The story, and especially the characters, was engaging and likeable. The author makes setting up the scenes seem so easy, and you can picture yourself in the story. I will definitely be picking up the 3rd book in the set (and going back to read the 1st one as well!)
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Swindlehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Swindle2023-02-14 13:24:042023-02-20 09:07:41Hush, My Darling (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Amanda Swindle
The Man in Black is by L.R. Liverpool, and I would describe it as a gritty thriller with some drama, action, adventure, MM romance, mystery, history, and more. It did take me a few chapters to really get into the storyline, but once I continued reading on, I found that I was able to get into the storyline. It was interesting to find that it had a bit of a documentary/memoir-esque plotline, which made it more interesting. In the storyline, we follow as Fenimore (Simon) leaves home on his journey to become a famous outlaw. Fenimore’s adventures begin and not too long after that is when the story starts to take off. Of course, as you will find in any good action book, there’s a lot of suspense and mystery, but the biggest mystery of all is The Man in Black that Fenimore can’t stop thinking about. Fenimore quickly discovers that these romantic feelings are quickly brining complications to the situation. But he can’t help but wonder where does the Man in Black fit into it all? There are so many details that are in the book, that you will have to find out on your own by reading The Man in Black. Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2023-02-14 09:50:542023-02-20 09:06:32The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Mary Espinoza
The Man in Black was such an amazing read. This story had so many twist and turns you didn’t know what was going to happen next. The author did a really great job writing this book. She had me on the edge the whole time, wanting to know what happened next. This was definitely a page turner for sure. This story has a mixture of suspense, drama, action. thriller, and so much more to it.
View all my reviews https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/5d934e57-9e70-4654-8d3d-2b50a2876f07
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-02-14 09:23:332023-02-20 09:06:23The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Melissa Fink
What happens when you come home one day to discover your very worst fears? This story starts with a nightmare, and the rest of the book unravels from there. After Troy thinks his life is basically over, he discovers even more troubling news, and he just continues to crumble. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I just had to read it. Troy’s story took me through a full range of emotions. The book was well written, the characters relatable, very dark and twisted. I know I will be reading more of Maynard in the future.
Chatroom With a View, Glenn Maynard, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Thriller, Suspense
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Codi Parhamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCodi Parham2023-02-14 07:09:512023-02-20 09:05:45Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Codi Parham
This was a really interesting read. It is a Thriller/ mystery story with a MM romance all set in the time of the Wild West. The characters are well written especially the lead character of Fenimore (Simon). It wad interesting to read the characters progression throughout the story as he starts to discover who he truelly is and his part in the world.
Fenimore leaves his small town farming life behind determined to become an outlaw and to make a name for himself. But he soon realises that the life he dreams of isn’t as good as he first thought. When he gets in with a gang and their are thoughts of a traitor among them things get very dangerous as everyone becomes a suspect. Add to this the discover Fenimore has of his attraction to a fellow gang member. For that attraction allow it could cost them their lives.
This story is full of wild west violence and danger with elements of romance and mystery thrown in. It is a very engaging tale that will keep you turning pages just to see what happens next.
I really enjoyed this story and being transported to a time of outlaws and the dangers that lifestyle brought with it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-02-14 04:16:422023-02-20 09:04:27The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Kerry Carr
This story is a good spy adventure. Butler does an awesome job crafting a suspenseful historical novel. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the page. Characters are fleshed out with depth and humanity. I appreciate how the author adds a glossary since I’m not familiar with the German and WW2 jargon. Looking forward to the next adventure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-02-14 00:49:002023-02-20 09:04:11The Brass Compass (Brass Compass Series Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Brandy Vaughn
This is book 2 in the series. It’s a companion to The Brass Compass, set during WWII, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. The story is full of twists and turns, tension, unknown as to who can be trusted and who people really are. I was completely immersed in this time period and all that was happening within these pages. If you love well-woven, tense, and intriguing historical stories full of dramatic action, then this is definitely the book for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-02-14 00:37:562023-02-20 09:04:04Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Brandy Vaughn
This is a really well-written and intriguing story that is full of twists and turns from start to finish. This is one of those books that truly feels like it could go any way, at any time. I thought the author did a great job of pulling you into the story and making you want to see how it would all play out. I thought the dynamic between all the characters was really well done. They all played their part perfectly and fit into the overall story with ease. This is the first book that I have read by this author but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the book was easy to get into and it kept my attention from the first page to the last. I am looking forward to reading more of this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-02-13 15:55:182023-02-15 22:39:31Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Kerry Baker
Troy Cullen comes from a dysfunctional family that is barely held together by his mother. His father is abusive to Troy’s mom and is downright cruel to Troy. His upbringing has made it difficult for Troy to socialize well with others and he prefers to keep to himself. When Troy comes home from work one day and discovers that his mother is dead something in him suddenly snaps and he starts to spiral out of control.
Then to make matters worse his ex-girlfriend Veronica pops back into his life and announces that she is pregnant. This is a girl that has not been able to understand that he does not want a relationship with her and that he wants nothing to do with because he thinks that she is crazy. Veronica has no intention of going anywhere and intends to make Troy love her so they can be a perfect, happy little family. Troy feels as though he can no longer control anything in his life. Now that tiny thread that has kept Troy from losing controlled has broken and Troy sets out to seek revenge on everyone that has ever hurt him.
The closer Veronica gets to Troy and his family the more she realizes that something is not quite right. She has questions about his family, so she starts to dig into Troy’s family history. That is when she discovers the killer gene that gets passed down from generation to generation. This concerns Veronica because she is worried about how it will affect their baby, but she loves Troy and wants to make things work.
This book plunges you deep into the story from the very first pages and hooks you right from the get-go! I have never read a book that sucked me in and held my attention like this one! I took Criminology in College and am an avid reader of True Crime books, so this book caught my eye, and I knew that I had to read it. It was impossible to put down and took so many twists and turns that I had no choice but to continue reading to find out what happened next.
The characters in this book were ones that the reader cannot fall in love with nor relate to but they are intriguing. Troy comes across initially as being meek, mild, and perhaps a bit mousy. However, when the one person he truly loves dies something in him snaps and his dark side comes out. Years of trauma and abuse that he has pushed down have surfaced and he can no longer contain them. You can understand why Troy has snapped based on how he was bullied and abused through school as well as at home, so you want to feel empathy for him, but his actions make that impossible. It is obvious that he should have sought counselling in his earlier years but if there is indeed a killer gene in his family then perhaps counselling would have been useless anyhow.
Veronica is a girl that cannot and will not take no for an answer. This quality in others might be commendable but in Veronica it is clearly not the case. She is obsessed with Troy and resorts to stalking and bullying her way into his life. Veronica intends to make Troy hers and will stop at nothing to make that happen. When she starts talking to Troy’s father, she uncovers some dark family secrets that make her want to know more. Rather than run from the crazy family with the killer gene, Veronica embraces it and immerses herself farther into Troy’s life.
This book was a fast-paced, grab-ahold-of your-seats, intense psychological thriller that plunges you deep into the dark and troubling world of a boy who suffered abuse, bullying, and trauma from a young age. It leaves you feeling sorry for the way Troy was treated throughout his life and at the same time perplexed that he took such a dark path to deal with the abuse. My emotions were all over the map as I tried to figure out the complex character of Troy and determine whether the trauma was what motivated him or if it was the killer gene that he was unable to control. The way the different storylines melded and wove themselves together kept me riveted. I felt the ending left the book open to a sequel with what may become of Veronica and Troy. Will their story continue? Will Troy continue on his path of mayhem and destruction, leaving bodies in his wake? If Troy has the killer gene which makes it impossible for him to stop then it would not be out of the realm of possibility for him to become a serial killer. Now, that would be an intense sequel. Perhaps he ends up with Veronica by his side after all? This is not only a fantastic read, but it would make an amazing movie! Highly Recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-02-13 12:23:042023-02-20 09:01:10Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I have to say.. I was on the edge of my seat with each paragraph I read. I was eager to know what happened next. In some instances, it was predictable, but other times I was surprised. There was an incredible amount of detail in each paragraph, that there was a deep understanding for the characters and what they were thinking. The way the author wrote about the characters and the plot felt like I was watching a movie.
I cannot get over the detail. Troy comes out of the book and you feel sorry for him but you get frustrated with him at the same time. And then you get to know Veronica more, and that is all I will say about that. You will have to read more to know what I mean. Be careful though, once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2023-02-13 12:07:062023-02-20 09:00:56Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Allyson Ware
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