ARC REVIEW: The Coconut Swindle by Matt Abraham

In this exciting prequel to the critically acclaimed Dane Curse, a pair of black capes are found dead on the floor of Wentorf Hall, mere inches away from the world’s largest diamond. Of course the cops think the pair killed each other over the heist. After all, everyone knows that the Vandenberg Coconut is a one size fits all motivation for murder. Everyone, that is, except for Dane Curse. 
But when the former villain turned PI takes the case he’ll discover that the truth has more sides than a diamond has facets. And in order to get to it Dane will follow a trail that leads through an old enemy with a bagful of grudges, a killer who specializes in assassinating super villains, and a wealthy socialite with a murky motive. A thorny maze indeed, and sitting at its heart, mysteriously returned from years in hiding, is Dane’s very own daughter. 
Will Dane Curse discover the thieves’ secret in time to solve the case, save his agency, and protect his only child from a vicious death? Or will he lose it all, just another victim of The Coconut Swindle? 

I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review


First off the cover is great, some serious nostalgia there, noir style.

In fact the whole book is like that, very Maltese Falcon/Casablanca. Though then you add in the supernatural elements of this story as well: i.e. super powers. This combination was a fun read.

I haven’t read anything by the author before so it was a little confusing, this being book two and all. I was able to catch up and enjoy the author’s writing style, characters and plot. It made it much easier as this is the prequel to the first novel Dane Curse.

The plot line is pretty straight forward, the Dane Curse Detective Agency solves mysteries and finds bad guys. There is even a jewel heist, the world’s largest diamond the Vandenberg Coconut goes missing. Dane Curse and his side arms (which had cute nick names) must find the culprit!

The secondary characters are also pretty clever, people named: Mr. West, Viking etc.Etc...

I enjoyed this book, even though it’s a bit outside my normal genre. I recommend reading it, especially if you love Dick Tracy and Marvel Comics, this is a great mash up of several genres and will appeal to grownups and the YA New Adult crowd.

French Restoration by Sara Claridge

Recovering a memory breaks more than a heart.

Chantal Chevalier is determined to win the interior design contract for Chateau Vauquelin, if only to stop wealthy hotelier Alex Kirkwood from destroying its magical splendour and turning the place into a bland playground for the rich and famous.

Alessandro ‘Alex’ Kirkwood has put all he has into the success of turning the rundown chateau into a luxurious getaway just outside Paris. Son and heir to the Kirkwood Hotel Group, all eyes are on him - to either sink or swim.

When Chantal crosses his path instinct tells him not to get involved. Get rid of her, and focus on the end game. But something in the vivacious French interior designer calls to him.

As strange incidents at the chateau bring back memories Chantal has hidden away since she was a girl, Alessandro can’t help but be drawn into discovering the truth behind them.


I received a copy of this novel in return for an honest review

I want to start this review off by saying most of the writing was lovely. The setting and the characters were well thought out and written with love and depth.

 This novel wasn't quite for me however, which is a bummer as I love the romance genre. It wasn't that this wasn't a good book, because it did have all the things one needs for a decent romantic novel. Hot guy, sexy lady, intriguing setting, good writing and a fairly interesting plot line. I just, unfortunately, had a hard time getting into it.

 Here is the opening line, which I must admit drew me in:

In the dead of the night, Chateau Vauquelin stood cloaked in the shadows of the ancient forest that surrounded the country estate. The building’s beauty hidden like an old gem amongst antique paste jewellery—forgotten, abandoned, a little tired looking. Its past glory dimmed by decades of neglect.

Here is the last line, also  beautifully written:

Outside an owl hooted and took flight. Tranquillity reigned over Chateau Vauquelin once more, at least for a while.

Chantal is good character, especially when compared to the annoying twerp who took center stage in the monstrosity 50 Shades. I actually liked Alessandro, though at times he did the alpha male thing that I find repetitive in this particular genre. That aside he grows to care for Chantal and his character was well written.

I write erotica and I have be published in several online magazines, so when it comes to sex scenes I can be a bit over critical and had issues with how the author wrote hers, again my own personal preference.

I really enjoyed the use of the French language and culture in this novella. It brings an extra something to this book.  The ending was my favorite part, very "and they lived happily ever after" which in truth, why read a romance novel at all if that isn't the end goal?