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Alice Anonymous (Project Scion)
Alice Anonymous (Project Scion)
Sophie Davis | 2018 | Mystery, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book. I was really glad I did as it was a super good read and would recommend it.

The story follows Alice as she goes about her life in a small town. All of this gets disrupted by Trey and his frequent visits to the store where she works.

Alice has secrets but what’s exciting is that the big secrets are hidden even to her. I enjoyed this as it bugs me in a mystery when characters allude to these secrets but just don’t tell you and drag it out for suspense.

It was good to see Alice and Trey develop during the story and not stick to classic stereotypes ie arrogant rich guy.

It is really hard to figure out who to trust as everyone seems a bit suspicious at times, some more so than others.

The story links with another series by the author but you don’t need to have read that series for this one. I’m not sure if the next book will follow the exact same characters or pick up some of the other characters but I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
  
Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1)
Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1)
Pia Foxhall | 2018 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Blackwood (Perth Shifters #1) by Pia Foxhall
Blackwood is the first book in the Perth Shifters series by Pia Foxhall. We jump straight into the action with Braden in trouble, in the middle of nowhere. He is rescued by Coll, who realises just what Braden has been through, and he tries his best to help him in the circumstances. Of course, it couldn't be that easy, so Braden's past is thrown into the mix, plus long distances.

What you get is an enthralling read that will keep you turning the pages. The story is fully fleshed out, with a multitude of other characters that I am hoping I hear from! There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word.

This is the first in the series, so don't expect everything to be handed to you on a plate. Instead, look forward to the next installment, so you can get the full enjoyment. Absolutely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1)
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1)
Jenny Han | 2009 | Young Adult (YA)
6
8.7 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've been in such a YA mood lately and determined to work on my self-imposed #readwhatyouown challenge, so I picked up this one, the first in a trilogy.

I couldn't help but compare this book to Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before series, but Belly (yes, they call this poor girl Belly) is no Lara Jean.

This is a rather predictable yet fun book as Belly returns to the beach house where she spends each summer with her Mom; her Mom's best friend Susannah; and Susannah's two sons, teenage Conrad and Jeremiah. This summer, Belly is fifteen and growing up--and it seems like everything is changing.

So I resented that Belly supposedly only deserved attention because she was now "pretty," though thankfully another boy comes on the scene who appreciates her for more than her looks. Still, I must admit, I was caught up in the book's drama, and this was pretty much the diversion and break from thrillers that I as seeking. And it definitely made me yearn for the beach. I won't lie, I'll probably check out the second book in the series out of curiosity, despite my complaints. 2.5/3 stars.
  
I received this book from Bloomsbury Spark in return for a fair and honest review.

Sarah is working as an au pair in London when things don't quite go according to plan and she is fired. She meets Carson as she browses in a bookstore and can't believe that he is interested in her.

This is a very good novella as I was left feeling uncertain of my feelings for Carson, which is a good thing as it leads you into the series. On the one hand, he seems like he cares for Sarah but there is still an element of 'what's really going on' as you read it. Sarah is the one who comes across as trying very hard to break out of her shell, but she does things with someone she has only just met that I had slight trouble believing.

The ending of this novella will leave you questioning all that you know and leave you wanting the next book in this series immediately.

For a quick, light contemporary read, I can definitely recommend this book.

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
The Dark Tower (2017)
The Dark Tower (2017)
2017 | Horror, Sci-Fi, Western
Well, that was nothing at all like I expected.

I've read the first book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and (honestly) hadn't really thought it was all that great or understood what all the fuss was about - for my money, David Gemmell did a far better job in his Jon Shannow trilogy of novels.

Having said that, I recognise that Gemmell's name may not have quite the same resonance, the same 'pull' as Stephen King.

I wanted to see this when it came in the cinema, and now haven't watched it on Netflix, honestly? I'm glad I didn't waste my money.

Having only read the first book in Stephen King's series, I can't say how true (or otherwese) this is to the novel(s), but I've always thought the best book and movie adaptations compliment each other: watching (or reading) one, say, would make you want to hunt out the other. This was far from the ideal: only an hour and a half long, but felling MUCH longer, I found this to be slow, plodding, and lacking any real originality or flair or excitement.

One to avoid!
  
40x40

Emma (519 KP) Jul 7, 2019

I just watched this the other day and quite enjoyed it. I thought the three leads gave quite good performances.

Dark Coven (The Wolfborne Saga #3)
Dark Coven (The Wolfborne Saga #3)
Cheree Alsop | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dark Coven is the third book in The Wolfborne Saga and Zev has agreed to help out with a coven causing trouble. He is also accepting Alia is with Mitch whilst realising his protective feelings towards Isley may be more than he first thought.

I thought this was brilliantly written and is the best (so far) for me. I loved how Zev continues to grow and learn things about himself and the situations. He has a bitter situation to comprehend but, with his friends, he is able to work past the situation and continues to move forward.

This is part of a series so I would absolutely recommend you read them in order. The story arc is leading me on and I am loving every moment. This world is so eloquently written and the characters are incredibly life-like. I am thoroughly enjoying this story and series and look forward to the next instalment.

* 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!
  
Together Bound (Sentries #2)
Together Bound (Sentries #2)
Elizabeth Noble | 2019 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
TOGETHER BOUND is the second book in the Sentries series and we continue with Todd and Nicky's story. I would definitely recommend reading this as a series as we deal with the same characters in the same world and if you don't, then this may not make any sense at all!

Todd and Nicky go undercover at a slave rehabilitation camp to try and find out if the Chancellor has gone crazy or not. It turns out he's not crazy, but he's not himself either! This is a dangerous mission, more so for Nicky in many ways, but Todd has his own battles to fight too.

I loved returning to their world and seeing how they interact with each other. I don't think this was as "hot and heavy" as the first book but there are definitely moments where Todd goes Alpha!

There is a great cast of characters in this book and I would love to hear more from them in future books. A fantastic ending that wraps up this part of their story nicely whilst leading onto the next... which I CAN'T WAIT FOR!!!

Definitely recommended by me and bring on the next!
  
Where We Begin, (The Berkshires, #1)
Where We Begin, (The Berkshires, #1)
Janey King | 2020
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was my first time reading a book by Janey King, it is the first book in her series titled The Berkshire Series, and it is her debut novel; so a Trifecta of firsts! The main characters, Hannah, and Collin are an interesting mix match of characteristics and so much heart packed into them both. I enjoyed Janey King's portrayal of their lives and the struggles they faced in the past and together in the present. It was a very realistic and blunt (I do mean blunt) portrayal of the struggles we all go through. I did enjoy the overall plot of overcoming your past and finding happiness with where you are at. One thing I did struggle with was the continual emphasis on sex, it was a constant mention in both mental and verbal conversations. Just not my usual cuppa tea as I like to focus on the story. But it is still a good storyline and I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.