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Merissa (11961 KP) rated Witchy, Witchy (Spellbound Trilogy, #1) in Books

Jun 8, 2023 (Updated Jun 8, 2023)  
Witchy, Witchy (Spellbound Trilogy, #1)
Witchy, Witchy (Spellbound Trilogy, #1)
Penelope King | 2012 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a light-hearted story about magic with a side interest of romance. The story and relationships in the book flow very naturally but don't expect everything to be straightforward! There are some twists and turns in this book, some that are explained and some that aren't. This book drew me in from the start and the time passed very quickly whilst I was reading it. Very enjoyable both as Young Adult and as a Paranormal. Further books in this series are now on my wish list.

* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 14, 2013
  
The Star (Charleston Condors #1)
The Star (Charleston Condors #1)
Beth Bolden | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
*fans self*

Holy fluff balls! This is hot, fun.....did I say hot?

I definitely have a soft spot for these well written, relatable characters. Having the NFL background is a definite selling point because who doesn't like a fit bloke playing a contact sport?

The Star is a yummy read that's perfect for the hot summer days, lazing in the sun and having a nice, tall drink to hand....... quench your thirst and cool you down from this cheeky story!

I recommend this as an adult read, for obvious reasons (read the blurb beforehand and you'll understand!)
  
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David McK (3372 KP) rated Echo in TV

Feb 22, 2024  
Echo
Echo
2024 |
6
7.0 (3 Ratings)
TV Show Rating
Marvel's latest made-for-tv, and (apparently) the first in their 'Spotlight' series of more adult-orientated affairs (think Netflix's Daredevil, The Punisher, etc), following the character Echo first introduced in Hawkeye; the niece of the Kingpin.

Yes, the same Kingpin (and actor) as in the superb Netflix Daredevil series.

Charlie Cox Daredevil also has what amounts to an extended cameo in the latter half of the first episode, the first half of which is pretty much a recap of previous series!

Only 5 episodes long; starts strong but seems to run out of steam a bit.
  
99% Faking It
99% Faking It
Chris Cannon | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Characters (2 more)
Writing Style
Plot line
Every now and then, I love to read a good young adult romance. A romance that is young, and innocent. So, I was browsing through Netgalley and saw this one, and fell in love with the synopsis and the cover (I mean, seriously. How adorable is that cover? I can just feel the hug he's giving her!). I grabbed it up. I'm super glad I did, too, because I have a new author to read more work by, and characters that have stolen my heart for the long haul.

I loved the way Chris Cannon chiseled these characters. They are true-to-life and came alive within the story. I felt more like I was watching a movie on the big screen than I was reading a book. Lisa and Matt reminded me a lot of some of the kids I used to know in high school. Lisa had a crush on a guy who just wanted to be friends.....or so she thought. Friend zone happened a lot back in my day at school!

Watching Lisa and Matt together in this read was super fun. They were witty and so cute. I loved watching them realize their feelings for each other, and their banter with each other was fun. The sparks flew but nothing was over the top, and Lisa and Matt would be great characters for any young adult (or adult!) to read.

Chris Cannon has a beautiful talent. The way she weaves the story together, even though it is the second in her Dating Dilemmas series, I wasn't overly confused by the happenings surrounding Lisa and Matt's story. I felt a part of these young people's lives and had so much fun reading it! I definitely recommend this book with 4 stars and am looking forward to reading book 1 and other books by this author.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
DB
Deal Breakers (Dealing with Love #1)
Laura Lee | 2015
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Devyn and Riley are best friends-- they survived four years of college together. Devyn is focused on graduation and the paid internship that awaits her. Riley is headed to grad school, but he had fun in college as well, including a string of non-serious girlfriends. Riley's not exactly known for monogamy. However, before they head their separate ways, Devyn has one request of Riley - she wants him to help her lose her virginity (yes, seriously). She doesn't want to head into the next phase of her life a virgin and she thinks Riley is the perfect person to assist. Riley is thrilled to help, of course, and plans a special evening. But will that special night change everything for Devyn and Riley?

First of all, I don't know why I keep reading these "New Adult" books. This genre apparently exists on stereotypes and tropes and the ending is basically transparent. In my defense, I picked it up after reading two tough books, with a lot of murder and darkness. Sometimes you just need a fluff book to lighten things up.

For instance, sample dialogue: "I may have just jizzed in my pants a little. How can a woman this hot possibly know football? I think I'm in love." We're not even going to talk about all the things wrong with this.

Still, this book was more compelling than some of the recent New Adult books I've read. If you like New Adult, you'll enjoy this book - it's a fast read and somewhat cute. If you're like me and still adjusting to the genre, you'll roll your eyes at a good deal of the plot and dialogue, but potentially still enjoy the quickness and silliness of it all. 2.5 - 3 stars depending where you fall on the spectrum

(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
  
Bad Billionaire
Bad Billionaire
Julie Kriss | 2018 | Erotica, Romance
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Book Review by Cari Mayhew. Rating 7/10.

This book offers an adult romance with a dramatic backstory!

After reading the darkly gothic book The Corset, I was ready for some nice light reading – something modern with a feel good factor – and that’s exactly what I got!

The story telling is split between 2 protagonists, Olivia and bad boy Devon Wilder. They are neighbours who have eyed each other from afar. Then one day Devon offers Olivia a lift home, and it all goes on from there. Devon is deliciously dangerous next to ordinary Olivia, he’s a loner with a tendency to get into trouble.

Early in the story Devon gets caught as a getaway driver and is sent to prison, and it’s towards the end of his sentence that he’s informed that he’s come into a large inheritance. And that makes him more interesting to the crowd that used to get him into trouble.

Despite there being 2 narrators, the book is most definitely aimed at straight women, as all the adult scenes are from Olivia’s stand point.

I found the characters and story believable.

It has its differences with 50 Shades of Grey – Devon is no gentleman for a start. The tension is there but the drama takes a different route.

I chose this book for its brevity, but the problem with its book is its brevity – I’m sure the author could have thrown a few more adult scenes in there, or maybe combined some of the story from the sequel in with this book.

Unlike most first books in a series, it doesn’t end in a cliff hanger; and it turns out the next book focuses on different characters. I may read the sequel one day, but I’m not in a rush.

Admittedly a lot of book is cliché, but I found it very likable. I would recommend it, but for the target audience only.
  
Witch's Legacy (Supernatural Evolvement #0.5)
Witch's Legacy (Supernatural Evolvement #0.5)
Katrina Cope | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The first book in a new series by outstanding young adult author Katrina Cope is something of a big deal. Both her previous series are particular favourites of both mine and my teenage children. Set in the same universe as her Afterlife series, this tells the story of an ancient feud between witches and shapeshifters.

Living in a coven with her mother, Della has to put on a front of cruelty to fit in with the other witches, especially when her mother makes one of her frequent disappearances. One day she accidentally discovers a terrible secret that means that she must go on the run, attempting to survive in a modern world she is unprepared for and with few allies. With the whole might of the coven on her trail she must adapt and find friends to survive.

Once again Cope proves why she is one of the best young adult authors out there. Although the members of the coven do perhaps veer to towards a cackling stereotype at times they do come across and dangerous, evil and threatening. The other characterisation is up to the usual high standard. Della is a very likeable - and sometimes fallible- protagonist and grows as a person throughout her experiences. The other people she meets are also carefully described and have their own distinct personalities and goals.

The plot perhaps isn't complex, dealing as it does with setting the basics for the series to come, but does have a couple of twists if not any major surprises. But the story is always interesting and engaging and the reader will definitely be siding with Della and holding their breath as things get tight.

I very much enjoyed this and so will the young adult audience. 5 stars even though I know very well that every book in the series will just get better and better and I have left myself nowhere to go. But that's been the case with both of Cope's other series.