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Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated What Fresh Hell in Books
Apr 8, 2022
I had seen both reviews were people loved this book and others found it pretty annoying and far too girly, so wasn’t sure what I would think but kept an open mind. It ended up being such an easy read, and one that I didn’t want to put down (and tried to power through after a long day at work but ultimately had to give in to sleep!).
I found the little wedding notes inserted in between some of the chapters both quirky and funny, and it took a few of them for me to realise the food was exactly the same at all of the weddings. I also liked how her gifts got less and less extravagant the further through the book we got (the coins in the carrier bag being my favourite).
It’s very relevant, and I think most women will know what it’s like to feel pressured into going to every hen do (even if there are multiple for the same person) and every wedding that you are invited to, because you don’t want to upset anyone and hope that they will do the same for you when it’s your turn. And this book deals with that feeling while also making it clear that it’s ok to say no (most people aren’t invited to as many as Lilah is in one year though!).
I loved the email exchanges about the hen do, as we all know nobody reads the emails properly and someone will always ask a question that has already been answered! I had to really laugh at the parents phone calls to Lilah, and some of the insults they used really did entertain me.
It was predictable what was going to happen in some ways, but I think that’s what made it such an easy, enjoyable read for me. It was one that didn’t need much concentration for me to follow (unlike my previous few books) and it still had a good storyline.
I will definitely be looking at more of Lucy Vine’s books in the future!
I found the little wedding notes inserted in between some of the chapters both quirky and funny, and it took a few of them for me to realise the food was exactly the same at all of the weddings. I also liked how her gifts got less and less extravagant the further through the book we got (the coins in the carrier bag being my favourite).
It’s very relevant, and I think most women will know what it’s like to feel pressured into going to every hen do (even if there are multiple for the same person) and every wedding that you are invited to, because you don’t want to upset anyone and hope that they will do the same for you when it’s your turn. And this book deals with that feeling while also making it clear that it’s ok to say no (most people aren’t invited to as many as Lilah is in one year though!).
I loved the email exchanges about the hen do, as we all know nobody reads the emails properly and someone will always ask a question that has already been answered! I had to really laugh at the parents phone calls to Lilah, and some of the insults they used really did entertain me.
It was predictable what was going to happen in some ways, but I think that’s what made it such an easy, enjoyable read for me. It was one that didn’t need much concentration for me to follow (unlike my previous few books) and it still had a good storyline.
I will definitely be looking at more of Lucy Vine’s books in the future!
As The Secrets Turn (My Darkest Secret #3)
6.0
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When we collided, it turned into beautiful chaos. I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast. ...
Young Adult (YA) Urban Romantic Suspense
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Mar 30, 2022
I have had this on my want to read list for a long time, but after watching the TV series (twice) it quickly moved up to my must read now list and it did not disappoint.
Written as different chapters in Adam Kay’s life, from newly qualifying to the incident that lead him to quit medicine, this book covered all aspects of life as a doctor. Each chapter starts with an explanation about the post he is in and a few anecdotes from his life. It then moves onto diary entries from the time in each post.
The book had me laughing at the ridiculousness of some situations, cringing at others and tearing up at a few too. It opens your eyes to the dire state of the NHS and how doctors are always viewed as well paid for short hours when that’s really not true. They are underpaid, under appreciated and overworked in a system that is failing them. We are lucky to have our NHS in this country and we should appreciate it much more than we do sometimes.
Adam’s writing is both informative and witty and it was a pleasure to read and was one that I flew through as it was so easy to read that I didn’t want to put it down at all.
The main takeaway that I have from this book is how much the system needs to change for those working for the NHS but in order for that to happen, governments need to stop trying to privatise parts of it and set unobtainable targets all while the expecting those that work there to spend the majority of their life at work and only getting paid for some of it. All of the staff are under tremendous pressure and they need their loved ones support before we lose all of them to easier and better paying jobs.
Written as different chapters in Adam Kay’s life, from newly qualifying to the incident that lead him to quit medicine, this book covered all aspects of life as a doctor. Each chapter starts with an explanation about the post he is in and a few anecdotes from his life. It then moves onto diary entries from the time in each post.
The book had me laughing at the ridiculousness of some situations, cringing at others and tearing up at a few too. It opens your eyes to the dire state of the NHS and how doctors are always viewed as well paid for short hours when that’s really not true. They are underpaid, under appreciated and overworked in a system that is failing them. We are lucky to have our NHS in this country and we should appreciate it much more than we do sometimes.
Adam’s writing is both informative and witty and it was a pleasure to read and was one that I flew through as it was so easy to read that I didn’t want to put it down at all.
The main takeaway that I have from this book is how much the system needs to change for those working for the NHS but in order for that to happen, governments need to stop trying to privatise parts of it and set unobtainable targets all while the expecting those that work there to spend the majority of their life at work and only getting paid for some of it. All of the staff are under tremendous pressure and they need their loved ones support before we lose all of them to easier and better paying jobs.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Idriel's Children (Odriel's Heirs #2) in Books
Jul 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
IDRIEL'S CHILDREN is the second book in the Odriel's Heirs series although you could read it as a standalone, I would recommend you read the series.
Aza is the Shadow's Heir's Heir - in other words, she is Kaia and Klaus' daughter, and will become Heir after Klaus. Her older brother, Zephyr, will pick up the reins for Kaia. At sixteen, she is a typical teenager in that she thinks she knows best but is atypical in how she has grown and the skills she has. When trouble strikes, Aza knows what she has to do, but doesn't count on Witt, Makeo, or Shad tagging along with her.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. This book is just as good as the first! The danger isn't over, as Kaia and Klaus well knew, but now it's up to their children to fight it. We don't see much of Zephyr in this book, so I am greedily hoping to find out more about him. Aza has her own lessons to learn, and she pretty much always takes the hard path. There were a few times when I wanted to slap Aza upside the head, but then I realised she is only two years older than my daughter, and that made her more relatable.
The emotions are rife again - yes, it made my eyes leak, and no, I won't say anymore!
Whilst Aza's story is (sort of) completed, the overall story arc is left wide open. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a fantasy world I lose myself in, and I love every word, every scene. If you like YA Fantasy, then you will love this! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jul 29, 2021
Aza is the Shadow's Heir's Heir - in other words, she is Kaia and Klaus' daughter, and will become Heir after Klaus. Her older brother, Zephyr, will pick up the reins for Kaia. At sixteen, she is a typical teenager in that she thinks she knows best but is atypical in how she has grown and the skills she has. When trouble strikes, Aza knows what she has to do, but doesn't count on Witt, Makeo, or Shad tagging along with her.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. This book is just as good as the first! The danger isn't over, as Kaia and Klaus well knew, but now it's up to their children to fight it. We don't see much of Zephyr in this book, so I am greedily hoping to find out more about him. Aza has her own lessons to learn, and she pretty much always takes the hard path. There were a few times when I wanted to slap Aza upside the head, but then I realised she is only two years older than my daughter, and that made her more relatable.
The emotions are rife again - yes, it made my eyes leak, and no, I won't say anymore!
Whilst Aza's story is (sort of) completed, the overall story arc is left wide open. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a fantasy world I lose myself in, and I love every word, every scene. If you like YA Fantasy, then you will love this! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jul 29, 2021
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Hers, Times Two (Hers #4) in Books
Jun 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
HERS, TIMES TWO is the fourth book in this series, and although you could read it as a standalone, the question would be WHY? There are three brilliant books before this one that help set up the scene/worlds so why limit yourself to just one?
Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.
First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.
There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jun 17, 2021
Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.
First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.
There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jun 17, 2021
The Judge's List
Book
'Besides the usual Grisham virtues of an arresting idea, polished plotting and vivid social...
Chance Match (Perfect Match Agency #2)
8.0
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CAN LOVE BE QUANTIFIED BY A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST AND AN ALGORITHM? SOMETIMES… BUT, NOT ALWAYS. ...
MM Mpreg Paranormal Romance Omegaverse
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) in Books
Mar 11, 2024
47 of 220
Book
The poppy War ( Book 1)
By R.F. Kuang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Rin aced the Keju – the test to find the most talented students in the Empire – it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who had hoped to get rich by marrying her off; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free from a life of servitude. That she got into Sinegard – the most elite military school in Nikan – was even more surprising.
But surprises aren’t always good.
Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power – an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of psychoactive substances and a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive – and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away
I was really nervous going into this book as I tried to read Babel and really hated it!
But this was another level I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed part 1 but the part 2 was even better and that ending was definitely worth it. This didn’t hold back on the details either really really good read. So much to take in and I love anything to do with the gods.
Book
The poppy War ( Book 1)
By R.F. Kuang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Rin aced the Keju – the test to find the most talented students in the Empire – it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who had hoped to get rich by marrying her off; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free from a life of servitude. That she got into Sinegard – the most elite military school in Nikan – was even more surprising.
But surprises aren’t always good.
Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power – an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of psychoactive substances and a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive – and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away
I was really nervous going into this book as I tried to read Babel and really hated it!
But this was another level I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed part 1 but the part 2 was even better and that ending was definitely worth it. This didn’t hold back on the details either really really good read. So much to take in and I love anything to do with the gods.
Easter Basket Murder
Barbara Ross, Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis
8.0
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Book
Put on your springtime best and grab a basket, because Easter egg hunting is to dye for in this...
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Spark & Heir (Royal & Piper #3) in Books
Dec 10, 2024
SPARK & HEIR is the final part of this outstanding trilogy, so hold onto your hats because it's non-stop.
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 10, 2024
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 10, 2024