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Stacy (11 KP) rated Cobra Kai - Season One in TV
Jan 3, 2021
Cobra Kai Never Dies!
Contains spoilers, click to show
I left watching this series until i was closer to the third series release date and i watched this over two nights and loved it. It was great to see Ralph Macchio and William Zabka back playing the iconic characters we all either loved and hated. I found myself immediately feeling sorry for Johnny and found Daniel a bit full of himself in the first episode but as the series progressed you could tell Daniel needed to find his way back to Mr Miyagi's teachings. But the back story of Johnny Lawrence was heart breaking at times and made me feel compassion for his character and like a character that was the villian over thirty years ago. I found the end scene between Robbie and Miguel a bit predictable but it made sense as it introduced the characters and the history of the show to people who had maybe never seen the original movies. Plus the tribute episode to Pat Morita who played Mr Miyagi was beautiful but was cleverly tied into the story arc of Daniel trying to find his way back to the right path. Overall this was a great first season which set up season two perfectly.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dance For Me (Fenbrook Academy, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is about Natasha, a dancer–-ballet being her favourite–-who goes to an audition for a role in an advert but gets distracted during the audition by someone running into the room. Darrell, the distractor, is captivated by her and the ballet she performs and asks her to dance for him as his muse so he can figure out a way to make his latest project work.
Darrell was rather intriguing from the start and I liked how we saw him from Natasha’s POV first before seeing how he came to be at the audition from his own POV.
Helena must have done ballet at some point or this is one really well researched book.
Several chapters had me wanting to look online at the moves Natasha was performing with how well they were written; how beautiful it all sounded. Maybe it was Natasha’s feelings at those points in the book that made them seem so charged and captivating. And this coming from someone who has never had an interest in ballet.
I liked Clarissa. And Neil. And Jasmine. I liked everything!
Would recommend you read this if you like a nice love story. It certainly had me captivated from early on.
This is about Natasha, a dancer–-ballet being her favourite–-who goes to an audition for a role in an advert but gets distracted during the audition by someone running into the room. Darrell, the distractor, is captivated by her and the ballet she performs and asks her to dance for him as his muse so he can figure out a way to make his latest project work.
Darrell was rather intriguing from the start and I liked how we saw him from Natasha’s POV first before seeing how he came to be at the audition from his own POV.
Helena must have done ballet at some point or this is one really well researched book.
Several chapters had me wanting to look online at the moves Natasha was performing with how well they were written; how beautiful it all sounded. Maybe it was Natasha’s feelings at those points in the book that made them seem so charged and captivating. And this coming from someone who has never had an interest in ballet.
I liked Clarissa. And Neil. And Jasmine. I liked everything!
Would recommend you read this if you like a nice love story. It certainly had me captivated from early on.
ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Summoner’s Sins (Sandal Castle Medieval Thrillers #3) in Books
Mar 30, 2021
The Summoner’s Sins is a really engaging historical fiction set in the 14th century. I really liked that real historical people were used in the narrative, and the attitudes of medieval people towards religion and witchcraft always fascinates me. The average medieval person was a very superstitious type - which I suppose was an understandable way to make sense of the world without science. Curses shouted out from the gallows abound in this story, and there are plenty of rebels in the background who are only too happy to make it look as though they are curses that have come true.
Richard Lee is a reasoned and logical man, and able to tell a curse from an actual murder - and thank goodness for him! I really liked the characters that Keith Moray has written in to this story, and Richard and Hubert are great lead characters. Richard is a god-fearing man, but he doesn’t let religion get in the way of the truth. Hubert is ever faithful to Richard and their pursuit of the truth.
I really very much enjoyed this book - I do like historical fiction (you’ve probably guessed this by now!) and I enjoy a good mystery. This delivered in spades on both counts.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for providing me with an e-ARC.
Richard Lee is a reasoned and logical man, and able to tell a curse from an actual murder - and thank goodness for him! I really liked the characters that Keith Moray has written in to this story, and Richard and Hubert are great lead characters. Richard is a god-fearing man, but he doesn’t let religion get in the way of the truth. Hubert is ever faithful to Richard and their pursuit of the truth.
I really very much enjoyed this book - I do like historical fiction (you’ve probably guessed this by now!) and I enjoy a good mystery. This delivered in spades on both counts.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for providing me with an e-ARC.
Neil Hannon recommended Architecture & Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark in Music (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.
I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.
And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?
It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
3.5 stars.
This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.
I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.
And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?
It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Good Girls Lie in Books
Jun 25, 2019
Mature Prep School Mystery
I was a bit worried when I picked up this book and realised it was set in an all girls boarding school, I’m not a fan of teenage girls, I didn’t even like them when I was one - way too much melodrama. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how well Ellison managed to write the girls in this book so that I didn’t feel the overwhelming need to slap them all (not sure if that means they aren’t very realistic though!?!)
The Goode School is a prestigious academy steeped in history and tradition. The atmosphere around the school is really enjoyable with an almost gothic feel to it. The elite world of secret societies and honour codes was a nice refreshing setting for me for a thriller. We follow the arrival of 16 year old Oxford raised Ash Carlisle as she arrives at the school following the deaths of her parents. Unfortunately it seems death follows Ash and soon deaths at the Goode school are starting to add up to something very suspicious.
I found this book to be a great page turner and had some interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed the world Ellison created more then the story, which was a solid captivating mystery.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Goode School is a prestigious academy steeped in history and tradition. The atmosphere around the school is really enjoyable with an almost gothic feel to it. The elite world of secret societies and honour codes was a nice refreshing setting for me for a thriller. We follow the arrival of 16 year old Oxford raised Ash Carlisle as she arrives at the school following the deaths of her parents. Unfortunately it seems death follows Ash and soon deaths at the Goode school are starting to add up to something very suspicious.
I found this book to be a great page turner and had some interesting twists and turns. I enjoyed the world Ellison created more then the story, which was a solid captivating mystery.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Keeping Her (Losing It, #1.5) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved both Losing It and Faking it so I was so happy when the publishers accepted my request to read this too :D
This one alternates between Garrick and Bliss POV with each chapter and we see how they feel about going to London and meeting his family and friends. Garrick is worried how is mum will treat her and Bliss is worried they wont like her. Bliss being Bliss worries far too much but in that humorous way she has that leaves you smiling if not laughing out loud and Garrick is just his charming self trying to make things as easy as possible for her.
One scene I liked was where they go to meet his parents and Bliss, being her clumsy self, knocks over his mothers favourite vase and it smashes into pieces and she just stands there like a rabbit caught in headlights while going through this funny mental conversation with herself.
It isnt a full length novel but plugs the gaps of what happened between Losing It and Faking It with Garrick and Bliss. It was short and sweet and if you are a fan of the series then you have to read this. (Just make sure you do it in order or you may get a little confused :D )
I loved both Losing It and Faking it so I was so happy when the publishers accepted my request to read this too :D
This one alternates between Garrick and Bliss POV with each chapter and we see how they feel about going to London and meeting his family and friends. Garrick is worried how is mum will treat her and Bliss is worried they wont like her. Bliss being Bliss worries far too much but in that humorous way she has that leaves you smiling if not laughing out loud and Garrick is just his charming self trying to make things as easy as possible for her.
One scene I liked was where they go to meet his parents and Bliss, being her clumsy self, knocks over his mothers favourite vase and it smashes into pieces and she just stands there like a rabbit caught in headlights while going through this funny mental conversation with herself.
It isnt a full length novel but plugs the gaps of what happened between Losing It and Faking It with Garrick and Bliss. It was short and sweet and if you are a fan of the series then you have to read this. (Just make sure you do it in order or you may get a little confused :D )
Merissa (11958 KP) rated The Blood King (Inferno Rising #2) in Books
Aug 11, 2020
The Blood King is the second book in the Inferno Rising series and we continue with Skylar and Ladon's story. I would definitely suggest you read this as a series as parts of this story pertain to book one. Also, you would miss out on Brand and Kasia's brilliant story if you didn't read book one!
Abigail Owen has managed to write a story that focuses on the main characters whilst also giving you updates on those you already know, plus giving new information on characters yet to share their story. This is, without any doubt, Skylar and Ladon's book and yet we're kept up to date with Kasia and move forward with Angelika and Meira - whose books I CANNOT WAIT FOR!!!
The settings and individual characters remain absolutely brilliant. I loved how this story wove together Sky and Ladon, highlighting how good they are for each other even though neither of them expected it. The story moves along at a fair pace and the overall story arc is just getting more interesting!
A fun, hot, and gripping book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Abigail Owen has managed to write a story that focuses on the main characters whilst also giving you updates on those you already know, plus giving new information on characters yet to share their story. This is, without any doubt, Skylar and Ladon's book and yet we're kept up to date with Kasia and move forward with Angelika and Meira - whose books I CANNOT WAIT FOR!!!
The settings and individual characters remain absolutely brilliant. I loved how this story wove together Sky and Ladon, highlighting how good they are for each other even though neither of them expected it. The story moves along at a fair pace and the overall story arc is just getting more interesting!
A fun, hot, and gripping book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (11958 KP) rated Forbidden Storm (Storm #2) in Books
Jun 2, 2020
Forbidden Storm is the second book in the Storm series and this time the story is about Kurtis and Lucretia. If you have read book one, you will know Kurtis had hopes for a relationship with Nicole, which Logan was quick to dismiss! Lucretia has her own secrets to hide which impact her past, present, and future.
Theirs is very much a will they/won't they story with plenty of action along the way. I am pleased to see Nikki and Logan still play a part in here although, obviously, not as much. Lucretia's secrets come out and she pays the price in more ways than one. Kurtis is okay but more often than not he will do or say something that annoyed me.
I do love the story development both in this story and the overall story arc. There are plenty of hints about stories to come which definitely leaves me wanting more. The characters continue to grow and adapt as times change.
This was a brilliant addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I absolutely recommend it and I look forward to whatever comes next.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Theirs is very much a will they/won't they story with plenty of action along the way. I am pleased to see Nikki and Logan still play a part in here although, obviously, not as much. Lucretia's secrets come out and she pays the price in more ways than one. Kurtis is okay but more often than not he will do or say something that annoyed me.
I do love the story development both in this story and the overall story arc. There are plenty of hints about stories to come which definitely leaves me wanting more. The characters continue to grow and adapt as times change.
This was a brilliant addition to the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. I absolutely recommend it and I look forward to whatever comes next.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *