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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Summer Nights (Wildflowers, #1) in Books
Jan 7, 2021
*I received a copy of this book via Netgalley, courtesy of Montlake Romance, in exchange for an honest review*
This is my first book by the author and it was a light romance with an interesting new idea for a plot about opening a summer camp for adults. It also has a longer story arc of what's happened to Dylan's dad that I'm assuming will be continued in the rest of the Wildflowers series.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the book. I like quite a bit of angst in my romances. I like fights and steamy make up sex. I like tattooed bad boys who get up to mischief while falling for the virgin new girl.
This was far too tame for me personally.
I loved the idea of the summer camp with the cabins and the activities but I don't think there was enough details about a lot of the going ons.
The characters didn't really grab me either. I didn't find myself willing them to get together. I was actually a little indifferent to them all.
This was not my kind of story, unfortunately.
This is my first book by the author and it was a light romance with an interesting new idea for a plot about opening a summer camp for adults. It also has a longer story arc of what's happened to Dylan's dad that I'm assuming will be continued in the rest of the Wildflowers series.
Unfortunately, I struggled with the book. I like quite a bit of angst in my romances. I like fights and steamy make up sex. I like tattooed bad boys who get up to mischief while falling for the virgin new girl.
This was far too tame for me personally.
I loved the idea of the summer camp with the cabins and the activities but I don't think there was enough details about a lot of the going ons.
The characters didn't really grab me either. I didn't find myself willing them to get together. I was actually a little indifferent to them all.
This was not my kind of story, unfortunately.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Call Me Mummy in Books
Mar 14, 2021
For a debut this is pretty successful and certainly had me reading way too late into the night.
This is a dark, disturbing and harrowing read but totally addictive. With fantastic characters and an all-too-real story line, this is a book that gets you hooked pretty quickly and doesn't let you go until the last full stop at the end.
Told from the perspectives of the kidnapper, the mother and the child, this provides insight from all aspects of the story which makes it all the more gripping. There are also snippets of social media posts which add a further dimension.
This book is about so much more than child abduction and, as a consequence, does contain swearing and abuse so if you are upset by these, I would probably give this a miss but if you "enjoy" (and I say that loosely) reading something on the darker side, then Call Me Mummy is the book for you.
Thank you to Serpent's Tail / Profile Books / Viper via NetGalley - I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Another author to look out for in the future.
This is a dark, disturbing and harrowing read but totally addictive. With fantastic characters and an all-too-real story line, this is a book that gets you hooked pretty quickly and doesn't let you go until the last full stop at the end.
Told from the perspectives of the kidnapper, the mother and the child, this provides insight from all aspects of the story which makes it all the more gripping. There are also snippets of social media posts which add a further dimension.
This book is about so much more than child abduction and, as a consequence, does contain swearing and abuse so if you are upset by these, I would probably give this a miss but if you "enjoy" (and I say that loosely) reading something on the darker side, then Call Me Mummy is the book for you.
Thank you to Serpent's Tail / Profile Books / Viper via NetGalley - I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Another author to look out for in the future.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Elite (Eagle Elite, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
4.5 stars!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! I've just read the excerpt from the next in the series, Elect, and WHAT!?!?
I suppose I should explain this one before I get carried away wanting the second one, huh?
I loved this book! It's my first ever one by Rachel Van Dyken. though I have The Bet on my kindle, and I cant help wondering why I haven't read it yet!
I was quickly sucked into this story though I was a bit put off by Nixon's behaviour in the beginning but I have to admit by the end I was well on my way to being in love with him. But then we have Chase too. I generally urge the girl to go with the first guy but then that would make it Chase and not Nixon. Both are great guys so I have no idea what Trace is going to do in the second book and that excerpt! Jeez! Got me worrying a little.
As you can probably tell I loved this book; it drew me in and kept me guessing. Cant wait for the next one!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! I've just read the excerpt from the next in the series, Elect, and WHAT!?!?
I suppose I should explain this one before I get carried away wanting the second one, huh?
I loved this book! It's my first ever one by Rachel Van Dyken. though I have The Bet on my kindle, and I cant help wondering why I haven't read it yet!
I was quickly sucked into this story though I was a bit put off by Nixon's behaviour in the beginning but I have to admit by the end I was well on my way to being in love with him. But then we have Chase too. I generally urge the girl to go with the first guy but then that would make it Chase and not Nixon. Both are great guys so I have no idea what Trace is going to do in the second book and that excerpt! Jeez! Got me worrying a little.
As you can probably tell I loved this book; it drew me in and kept me guessing. Cant wait for the next one!
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Dead Letter Office in Books
Jan 30, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review
This book started off with great promise, but for me went downhill rather quickly. I love the idea of a young girl dealing with the loss of losing her father, and moving to a new place; however, the story began to seem extremely far fetched when the ghost started coming into play. I had trouble understanding how the person murdered now was related to the past, and that never really seemed to be explained at all. I guess you just have to accept that its paranormal and that's all there is to it.
Celia, is a very well written character, and its really easy to like her and root for her. Regardless of the way she acts, she means well, and cares about others. I even cried when she received closure at the end in regards to her father's death. It was very moving. Donovan and Tilly were very one dimensional and I would have loved to learn more information about these characters.
I think the thing that in essence killed this book for me was that it was a choose your own adventure book. I think if the fates of the characters had been decided and the book written as normal it would have been more exciting for me. I do have to admit that this book did remind me of reading the choose your own adventure books I read as a kid.
I might be inclined to read more books in this series to see how the characters develop. I gave it 3 stars out of 5.
This book started off with great promise, but for me went downhill rather quickly. I love the idea of a young girl dealing with the loss of losing her father, and moving to a new place; however, the story began to seem extremely far fetched when the ghost started coming into play. I had trouble understanding how the person murdered now was related to the past, and that never really seemed to be explained at all. I guess you just have to accept that its paranormal and that's all there is to it.
Celia, is a very well written character, and its really easy to like her and root for her. Regardless of the way she acts, she means well, and cares about others. I even cried when she received closure at the end in regards to her father's death. It was very moving. Donovan and Tilly were very one dimensional and I would have loved to learn more information about these characters.
I think the thing that in essence killed this book for me was that it was a choose your own adventure book. I think if the fates of the characters had been decided and the book written as normal it would have been more exciting for me. I do have to admit that this book did remind me of reading the choose your own adventure books I read as a kid.
I might be inclined to read more books in this series to see how the characters develop. I gave it 3 stars out of 5.
Ross (3284 KP) rated God of Broken Things in Books
Aug 1, 2019
Excellent conclusion to the duology
* I received an advance copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
The second and final book in the short series (for once an author who is willing to restrict his series to two books rather than padding out to a trilogy with a low quality middle book!) continues Edrin Walker's fight for his life. Where in the first book the coward found himself accidentally returning to the city where he was banished from, and thrown into a conspiracy to destroy the city, here he is more of a willing participant.
The scarrabus (the mind-controlling parasite race) are rife in the city and Walker starts to uncover their plot. Events see him sent to hold off a fast approaching army, where he once again battles with mind-controlled mages and warriors.
The action is thick and fast in this book, and while there are some metaphysical sections, and some epic sections of exposition it keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Walker is a likeable, though thoroughly detestable selfish coward who sometimes ends up doing the right things, if not for the right reason. His magic power of mind-control is used more here than in the first book (where I felt it had been a little neglected for fear of being a Mary Sue), but not over-used and at times it wonderfully helps the story move along while his body can't allow him to be in the thick of the action.
There are twists and conflict galore in this brilliant gritty conclusion to a great story with some really strong, original characters.
The second and final book in the short series (for once an author who is willing to restrict his series to two books rather than padding out to a trilogy with a low quality middle book!) continues Edrin Walker's fight for his life. Where in the first book the coward found himself accidentally returning to the city where he was banished from, and thrown into a conspiracy to destroy the city, here he is more of a willing participant.
The scarrabus (the mind-controlling parasite race) are rife in the city and Walker starts to uncover their plot. Events see him sent to hold off a fast approaching army, where he once again battles with mind-controlled mages and warriors.
The action is thick and fast in this book, and while there are some metaphysical sections, and some epic sections of exposition it keeps the reader engaged throughout.
Walker is a likeable, though thoroughly detestable selfish coward who sometimes ends up doing the right things, if not for the right reason. His magic power of mind-control is used more here than in the first book (where I felt it had been a little neglected for fear of being a Mary Sue), but not over-used and at times it wonderfully helps the story move along while his body can't allow him to be in the thick of the action.
There are twists and conflict galore in this brilliant gritty conclusion to a great story with some really strong, original characters.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Hers, Unleashed (Hers #3) in Books
Jun 15, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
HERS, UNLEASHED is the third book in the Hers series and follows on from Hers, Unbroken, with situations arising following actions and situations in that book, so I would definitely recommend you read at least that one first. Of course, my full recommendation would be to read both, but that's because they're both brilliant.
Roth has escaped one prison in exchange for a voluntary one of three months. He knows Selenia has no interest in his past, so if he can just disappear, he'll be fine. His mistress, Kaitlyn, is a Security Office who lives in one of the underground domes, so he figures he'll be even safer. But what happens when convenience turns into something else?
Oh, I do love these books!!! Anna Adler gives you a nicely rounded story with plenty of steamy moments plus action on the streets. Holly and Chase have a small cameo here, which was great to see. Selenia has changed since Book 2, and Kaitlyn hasn't really questioned any of it too deeply. Meeting Roth, and eventually hearing some of his back story, well, it all changed for her and they both realised the world wasn't perfect.
I read this book in one sitting, one sunny afternoon, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single word and scene. I really can't wait to return to Selenia and see what happens next. Absolutely 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!
Jun 15, 2021
Roth has escaped one prison in exchange for a voluntary one of three months. He knows Selenia has no interest in his past, so if he can just disappear, he'll be fine. His mistress, Kaitlyn, is a Security Office who lives in one of the underground domes, so he figures he'll be even safer. But what happens when convenience turns into something else?
Oh, I do love these books!!! Anna Adler gives you a nicely rounded story with plenty of steamy moments plus action on the streets. Holly and Chase have a small cameo here, which was great to see. Selenia has changed since Book 2, and Kaitlyn hasn't really questioned any of it too deeply. Meeting Roth, and eventually hearing some of his back story, well, it all changed for her and they both realised the world wasn't perfect.
I read this book in one sitting, one sunny afternoon, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single word and scene. I really can't wait to return to Selenia and see what happens next. Absolutely 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!
Jun 15, 2021
Louise (64 KP) rated Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye in Books
Jul 2, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This is a book that I have had on my TBR for quite sometime *sorry Netgalley* and I even made it one of the books to read for #beatthebacklist which I have now achieved *fist pumps the air*
This Middle-grade book is excellent for this time of year the illustrations and story are quite dark- there is an eerie tone set to this book and definitely a Halloween book – it’s not scary but it has witches and other spooky beings.
This book is action packed with loads of fun stuff to read about – Warren has to go on quests and solve mysteries to help him save his beloved hotel that Aunt Annaconda is trying to take over. Supposedly there is an All-seeing eye in this hotel but nobody knows what it is and where exactly to find it – but this all-seeing eye contains a treasure – a treasure so powerful that he can’t let his awful aunt get her hands on it.
This book has a lot going on in it and a varied amount of characters that it doesn’t leave the reader bored for a moment and there is a mystery that you are trying to unravel whilst reading. There are some meaner characters such as Aunt Annaconda and her sisters but then we have other ones that are there for the young heir and help him.
I loved the fact that this book had illustrations and that it complemented the story very well, they were very dark, gothic style and used a darker palette – I just wish at some point I can read the physical copy.
Overall this is a great middle-grade novel,it’s fast paced and intriguing with an eclectic range of characters and will be appreciated by children and adults of any age.
I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
This is a book that I have had on my TBR for quite sometime *sorry Netgalley* and I even made it one of the books to read for #beatthebacklist which I have now achieved *fist pumps the air*
This Middle-grade book is excellent for this time of year the illustrations and story are quite dark- there is an eerie tone set to this book and definitely a Halloween book – it’s not scary but it has witches and other spooky beings.
This book is action packed with loads of fun stuff to read about – Warren has to go on quests and solve mysteries to help him save his beloved hotel that Aunt Annaconda is trying to take over. Supposedly there is an All-seeing eye in this hotel but nobody knows what it is and where exactly to find it – but this all-seeing eye contains a treasure – a treasure so powerful that he can’t let his awful aunt get her hands on it.
This book has a lot going on in it and a varied amount of characters that it doesn’t leave the reader bored for a moment and there is a mystery that you are trying to unravel whilst reading. There are some meaner characters such as Aunt Annaconda and her sisters but then we have other ones that are there for the young heir and help him.
I loved the fact that this book had illustrations and that it complemented the story very well, they were very dark, gothic style and used a darker palette – I just wish at some point I can read the physical copy.
Overall this is a great middle-grade novel,it’s fast paced and intriguing with an eclectic range of characters and will be appreciated by children and adults of any age.
I rated this 4 out of 5 stars
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