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The Rook (The Checquy Files #1)
The Rook (The Checquy Files #1)
Daniel O'Malley | 2012 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller
8
9.0 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
The concept behind The Rook was great, and I did want to read if prior to watching the show. Though, after reading the plot of the show, it seemed to diverge a lot. The story was good enough to be adapted as is, I never understand who makes those decisions.... Then again, I think Stephenie Meyer was involved in the show at some point.
Anyway, so a cool, underground organization of specially, supernaturally talented people exist as a secret service. The lead character, overall, I found likeable and interesting. Normally, I find the amnesia trope a little tiresome.
The one thing I had a major issue with was all the clothing discussion. Do male authors really think women spend THAT much time thinking about their wardrobe? It wasn't necessary, how many times did we need to be told that Myfanwy only had dowdy clothing? Once would have been enough, but it was repeated, over and over. That was really my only problem with the book. I look forward to renting the 2nd book in the series from the library.
  
Silence (Hush, Hush, #3)
Silence (Hush, Hush, #3)
Becca Fitzpatrick | 2011 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
9.3 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well first off let me say that it must have been a good 5/6 months since I read Crescendo, book 2 in the Hush, Hush series and with the number of books I get through in a month, I'll admit I'd forgotten a lot of what went on in the first two.
 
However, this book was kinda perfect in that respect since I felt like Nora with her amnesia and got to relive a lot of the first two books as she did.
 
I still love Patch and think he's one of the best things about the series. There's just this bad boy/kick arse vibe going on with him that I find a little...hot?
 
And let me tell you, some of the scenes in this between him and Nora are scorching and getting hotter, especially now she's aged a year.
 
I'm going straight onto Finale so I don't have the same problem I had between books 2 and 3 as I don't think the last book will be as co-operative plot wise.
  
Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging
Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging
Afua Hirsch | 2017 | History & Politics, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
An important and necessary conversation
There is a wealth of insight crammed into this book about race and identity in Britain, describing how important it is to have a cohesive self by accepting that you may have other identities alongside being a UK citizen.

What hinders this process is the apparent racism that plagues British society, from being 'colour-blind' and thus ignoring the issue, to the awkward and troubled relationship with Britain's history and its origins. The author, Afua Hirsch, also discovers her own Ghanaian roots throughout her journey of self-awareness, making this book both a memoir and social commentary. Hirsch checks her privilege immediately, which makes a refreshing change.

While I can completely relate to her opinions on the racist structures in place and the microagressions that have become normalised, the historical and anthropological elements were the most fascinating parts for me. Learning about the racist views upheld by leading western thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and David Huhne, as well as how the 1919 race riots ensued over the perception of 'white cleansing' was deeply concerning.

Hirsch's call for change on Britain's selective amnesia is not new but it has a contemporary angle following the country's move to leave the EU. Incredibly engaging.
  
UM
Unravel Me ( Book 1)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
131 of 230
Kindle
Unravel Me ( Book 1)
By Kendall Ryan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶


Psychology student Ashlyn Drake's neat, orderly life takes a turn for the crazy when she finds the perfect subject for her amnesia thesis - a young man without any memory of his previous life, including the murder he's accused of committing. Against all common sense, Ashlyn's drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

Perhaps it's that he's so incredibly male: even handcuffed to his hospital bed, he could pass for a cologne ad - Scent de Insanity. Or perhaps it's because she's spent too many lonely nights studying. Either way, she's determined to help him solve the mystery of his past.

But when she finally learns his secret, there's no telling which one is the real him, the gentle lover she's fallen for or the troubled man with a dark past...

I enjoyed this more than I thought I was going to. It was defo an interesting story and way to meet the man of your dreams. Very well written and plenty of spicy bits. Only thing that really got my back up was the name Ashlyn I don’t know why I just don’t like it!
  
DF
Don’t Forget to Breathe
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
189 of 230
Kindle
Don’t Forget to Breathe
By Catherina Constantine
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind. And everything fades to black.

Leo has been battling personal demons after a year of retrograde amnesia. She’s been having vivid dreams of that day. And her dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. Two more bodies are discovered and they are oddly linked to her mom’s unsolved homicide.

Leo befriends her new neighbor. He’s eager to visit Star Hallow’s notorious haunted mansion. It’s located on a deserted cul-de-sac where she once lived and where her mom was murdered. But it’s the Lucien Estate, the mansion next door to her old home, where they happen upon misty ghosts, ghosts that just might help to unravel the homicides.

Will Leo's memories send her reeling into a relapse, or will she be able to overcome her demons to find her mother’s killer – only to become the next victim?

It was good a very simple story and a little predictable. There was a lack of excitement and spark but it wasn’t a bad read.
  
For Their Child's Sake
For Their Child's Sake
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sam and Tara have fought the good fight to keep their marriage together. Over a year ago Tara had enough and told Sam he couldn’t come home anymore. His addiction had destroyed their family and she had to protect their child. Sam walked away and into rehab and now wants his family back.

Tara never stopped loving Sam but that doesn’t mean she is ready to just give in and let him back home again. When a playground accident forces them back together again, as a family, will she be able to hold strong to her convictions?

Sam has been waiting for an opportunity to prove to Tara that he is a changed man. Moving back into the house with his 2 favorite girls is just that moment. He will do whatever it takes to prove he is now able to take care of his family the way he should have been all along.

Sam, Tara and Marley navigate their new normal, while trying to put all the pieces of their family back together again. Return to Stonerock in this powerful story that addresses current day situations like addiction and amnesia. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy, all opinions expressed are my own. Return to Stonerock with this family working on their second chance.