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BookblogbyCari (345 KP) rated Disclaimer in Books
Jan 26, 2019
This author is a master of suspense! The premise of this book called out to me and I was immediately intrigued. I was on tenterhooks all the way through and the story stayed with long after the end!
Stephen Brigstocke is extremely bitter about an event that occurred in 1993, and decides to publish his wife’s book “The Perfect Stranger” about said event. His purpose of publishing the book is solely to provoke guilt in Catherine Ravenstock, and lead her to her own suicide.
I just had to keep the turning and turning the pages until I got to the bit (about a third of the way in) where “The Perfect Stranger” explains what happened. By then I understood Stephen’s bitterness and anger. Catherine’s husband and son are also given copies of the book, and Catherine’s husband swiftly leaves her.
Yet to be satisfied with the outcome, Stephen soon targets Catherine’s son, who later finds himself in intensive care. (Stephen uses new methods this time.)
At 80% of the way through the book, a huge twist is revealed and Catherine confronts Stephen directly.
With 10% of the book left to go, every character has come clean, and I began wondering what more could come – but there was plenty, when everything turned around again at the final twist!
I had been expecting the novel to alternate between Catherine’s life and excerpts from “The Perfect Stranger” but surprisingly Renee Knight deftly uses very few excerpts from it.
The author uses different styles of writing when switching point of views. The majority of the storytelling switches between Catherine’s point of view, put forward in the third person, and Stephen’s point of view put forward in the first person. This was deliberate and effective, so that the reader finds themselves identifying just as much, if not more with Stephen, even though the story centres around Catherine being Stephen’s victim.
Also some passages are told from Catherine’s husband’s standpoint and their son’s, and this element adds to instill the initial concept and add to the suspense.
Although the storytelling sometimes switched from 1993 to 2013, this was smoothly done, and never confusing.
I often buy books when they are on offer for 99p as this was, but I never expect them to be this good – I give this an easy 9/10 and am hoping to find more books from the same author!
Stephen Brigstocke is extremely bitter about an event that occurred in 1993, and decides to publish his wife’s book “The Perfect Stranger” about said event. His purpose of publishing the book is solely to provoke guilt in Catherine Ravenstock, and lead her to her own suicide.
I just had to keep the turning and turning the pages until I got to the bit (about a third of the way in) where “The Perfect Stranger” explains what happened. By then I understood Stephen’s bitterness and anger. Catherine’s husband and son are also given copies of the book, and Catherine’s husband swiftly leaves her.
Yet to be satisfied with the outcome, Stephen soon targets Catherine’s son, who later finds himself in intensive care. (Stephen uses new methods this time.)
At 80% of the way through the book, a huge twist is revealed and Catherine confronts Stephen directly.
With 10% of the book left to go, every character has come clean, and I began wondering what more could come – but there was plenty, when everything turned around again at the final twist!
I had been expecting the novel to alternate between Catherine’s life and excerpts from “The Perfect Stranger” but surprisingly Renee Knight deftly uses very few excerpts from it.
The author uses different styles of writing when switching point of views. The majority of the storytelling switches between Catherine’s point of view, put forward in the third person, and Stephen’s point of view put forward in the first person. This was deliberate and effective, so that the reader finds themselves identifying just as much, if not more with Stephen, even though the story centres around Catherine being Stephen’s victim.
Also some passages are told from Catherine’s husband’s standpoint and their son’s, and this element adds to instill the initial concept and add to the suspense.
Although the storytelling sometimes switched from 1993 to 2013, this was smoothly done, and never confusing.
I often buy books when they are on offer for 99p as this was, but I never expect them to be this good – I give this an easy 9/10 and am hoping to find more books from the same author!
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Heir of Fire in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So this is the third installment in the Throne of Glass series, following straight on from Crown of Midnight, we pick straight back up with Celeana and how she is still devastated from the loss of her close friend.
This review will have spoilers in, its impossible to talk about a 3rd series book without them!
<spoiler>
So I’ll start with what I thought I wouldn’t like. Rowan. And Celeana.
When I started this book I was completed all about Chaol and Celeana… I probably still am deep down. But I can see something beautiful and different blossoming with Rowan. I feel like Chaol saved Celena in ToG but in HoF it is Celeana/Aelin who saves Rowan. And I think after all that happens in HoF Celeana/Aelin needs to not feel like she has been saved. She needs to be the hero of her own story.
But yes for a good third of the book I could kind of see Chaol being pushed aside and I was not happy about it.
Dorian’s love life filled me with such hope…. Then utterly shattered me. I actually applaud the author for that. To often in these types of books you can see the love interests playing out in a very samey samey kind of way. Not with this one. I am still raw and broken from it. I had to put the book on my lap for a few mins to really absorb what was happening.
I loved the flash backs to Aelin’s past and hope we get to see more of these in future books. I feel the story is becoming very intricate now and has really found its way. I know a lot wont like it because of the changes in direction but realistically for Aelin to get done what is needed, big changes needed to happen and the changes in her in this book to me, seem realistic and purposeful.
I also really enjoyed the character shift to Manon, the Blackbeak Witch. Hers in a very interesting storyline and I look forward to seeing it develop and how it links to Aelin’s story overall. For me this was a good solid read which once I got over the whole Chaol issue,</spoiler> I found that I enjoyed it immensely and look forward the book number 4!
This review will have spoilers in, its impossible to talk about a 3rd series book without them!
<spoiler>
So I’ll start with what I thought I wouldn’t like. Rowan. And Celeana.
When I started this book I was completed all about Chaol and Celeana… I probably still am deep down. But I can see something beautiful and different blossoming with Rowan. I feel like Chaol saved Celena in ToG but in HoF it is Celeana/Aelin who saves Rowan. And I think after all that happens in HoF Celeana/Aelin needs to not feel like she has been saved. She needs to be the hero of her own story.
But yes for a good third of the book I could kind of see Chaol being pushed aside and I was not happy about it.
Dorian’s love life filled me with such hope…. Then utterly shattered me. I actually applaud the author for that. To often in these types of books you can see the love interests playing out in a very samey samey kind of way. Not with this one. I am still raw and broken from it. I had to put the book on my lap for a few mins to really absorb what was happening.
I loved the flash backs to Aelin’s past and hope we get to see more of these in future books. I feel the story is becoming very intricate now and has really found its way. I know a lot wont like it because of the changes in direction but realistically for Aelin to get done what is needed, big changes needed to happen and the changes in her in this book to me, seem realistic and purposeful.
I also really enjoyed the character shift to Manon, the Blackbeak Witch. Hers in a very interesting storyline and I look forward to seeing it develop and how it links to Aelin’s story overall. For me this was a good solid read which once I got over the whole Chaol issue,</spoiler> I found that I enjoyed it immensely and look forward the book number 4!
Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging
9.0
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Show-business legend Dick Van Dyke is living proof that life does get better the longer you live it....
Retail Marketing Management: Principles and Practice
Helen Goworek and Peter J. McGoldrick
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'Retail Marketing Management covers all the essential theories needed to understand the complicated...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Stolen Songbird (The Malediction Trilogy, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
*Copy received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 stars
I love the cover of this; its very eye catching. Ill admit that covers attract me to books and this drew my attention straight away. Then I saw the name and I said to myself, I have to read this. But then theres the fact that Im rather picky with my fantasy books (loving the Throne of Glass series but not liking Daughter of Smoke and Bone). Nevertheless I jumped straight into the book.
This is only my second ever troll book but considering the other was just a short story, I was looking forward to learning more about them. And I wasnt disappointed. They sound equally enchanting and terrifying depending on who you meet. And I like the thought of there being handsome troll princes very much :D
Cécile is quite a tough girl. She doesnt mind giving as good as she gets verbally which I like about her. As for Prince Tristan, I liked his sarcasm at the start, even if it was directed at Cécile. And then I just sort of grew to like him. Some of the secondary characters were just as likeable, such as Marc and the twins.
There was an interesting storyline to this; almost a good versus evil plot but much more complicated. It was all very political and about who should rule Trollus and how. I wish I could go into detail but that would ruin the plot.
Then comes the romance aspect. I loved the progression of Cécile and Tristans relationship. They might not have liked each other in the beginning but as they got to know each other better it was very sweet reading and I was cheering them on from fairly early in the book.
To go back to my pickiness with fantasy. I have to say I loved a lot of what this book had going for it. The lights that are created by magic (especially Céciles own) are genius and the Glass Garden sounded amazing. I bet it looks lovely lit up!
I laughed, I ranted, I cried twice. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
4.5 stars
I love the cover of this; its very eye catching. Ill admit that covers attract me to books and this drew my attention straight away. Then I saw the name and I said to myself, I have to read this. But then theres the fact that Im rather picky with my fantasy books (loving the Throne of Glass series but not liking Daughter of Smoke and Bone). Nevertheless I jumped straight into the book.
This is only my second ever troll book but considering the other was just a short story, I was looking forward to learning more about them. And I wasnt disappointed. They sound equally enchanting and terrifying depending on who you meet. And I like the thought of there being handsome troll princes very much :D
Cécile is quite a tough girl. She doesnt mind giving as good as she gets verbally which I like about her. As for Prince Tristan, I liked his sarcasm at the start, even if it was directed at Cécile. And then I just sort of grew to like him. Some of the secondary characters were just as likeable, such as Marc and the twins.
There was an interesting storyline to this; almost a good versus evil plot but much more complicated. It was all very political and about who should rule Trollus and how. I wish I could go into detail but that would ruin the plot.
Then comes the romance aspect. I loved the progression of Cécile and Tristans relationship. They might not have liked each other in the beginning but as they got to know each other better it was very sweet reading and I was cheering them on from fairly early in the book.
To go back to my pickiness with fantasy. I have to say I loved a lot of what this book had going for it. The lights that are created by magic (especially Céciles own) are genius and the Glass Garden sounded amazing. I bet it looks lovely lit up!
I laughed, I ranted, I cried twice. It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me but I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
Evvie Drake Starts Over
10.0
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today - "Everything a...
Merissa (12874 KP) rated Complicated (Secrets and Lies #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
As with book 1, Conflicted, the title of this book is absolutely spot on. It IS complicated, with more secrets, lies, twists and turns than you can shake a stick at. I appear to be having a love/hate relationship with these books because there are quite a few moments when I actually dislike what I'm reading but then it can all swing around at the drop of a hat. For myself, the majority of this book is a 3-star read. It's good, just not anything to shake your pom-poms about. But then, the last 10% of the book happened and wow, it was excellent! It blew me out of the water and I had tears, heart pounding and pulse racing issues whilst I read. It was definitely this portion of the book that upped it to a 4-star read for me.
Okay, so a bit about the characters now. Mia - I still can't get to grips with her. I don't particularly like hearing about her which makes the whole thing a bit difficult when it's written the way it is. Ethan - I actually liked him in the first book but I find myself not wanting them to be together more and more. Ethan spends most of this book making Mia feel guilty over lying to him when he is the one doing the same thing and more. You should not have to walk on eggshells around someone you love or be afraid to ask questions. Their relationship isn't healthy and I keep hoping that Mia will end up with Jackson, the playboy, who has an honest friendship with Mia that could turn into something else given the chance. Bri and Trey have their own hurdles to cross in this book but they tend to take the backseat to everything else.
A difficult book to read or review but I can still recommend it. It is certainly controversial enough to make it stand out from the crowd - you can decide if that's a good thing or not for yourself.
* 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!
Jul 28, 2015
Okay, so a bit about the characters now. Mia - I still can't get to grips with her. I don't particularly like hearing about her which makes the whole thing a bit difficult when it's written the way it is. Ethan - I actually liked him in the first book but I find myself not wanting them to be together more and more. Ethan spends most of this book making Mia feel guilty over lying to him when he is the one doing the same thing and more. You should not have to walk on eggshells around someone you love or be afraid to ask questions. Their relationship isn't healthy and I keep hoping that Mia will end up with Jackson, the playboy, who has an honest friendship with Mia that could turn into something else given the chance. Bri and Trey have their own hurdles to cross in this book but they tend to take the backseat to everything else.
A difficult book to read or review but I can still recommend it. It is certainly controversial enough to make it stand out from the crowd - you can decide if that's a good thing or not for yourself.
* 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!
Jul 28, 2015
Merissa (12874 KP) rated Made to Submit (La Trattoria Di Amore #3) in Books
Apr 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
MADE TO SUBMIT is the third book in the La Trattoria Di Amore series. Although characters from previous books are mentioned, you don't need to have read them, to get this the fullest enjoyment out of this one.
We start off with Paolo at fifteen. He has a crush on one of the chefs working with his dad, which is one of the things that gives him a clue he's gay. Overhearing a conversation between his crush and someone else talking about BDSM makes him curious enough to look into it. Fast forward a few years, and he's working with his crush... who has no idea who he is. Not only that but he's now married. Paolo is heartbroken, sure that he is in love with Carl. Enter Kaden. He is physically attracted to Paolo but is very wary considering he knows about the crush. And then the story really takes off!
I can't tell you just how much I loved this story (although I'll obviously try!). Paolo and Kaden are so perfect for each other. What one needs, the other provides, without even really thinking about it but just doing it. Due to his past, Kaden needs control. Paolo is desperate to have control taken away from him, in every aspect of his life. These two really made my heart happy.
I'm going to be honest here and say that Carl, who is in book two which I haven't read, doesn't really come across that well. Bless him, I know he's busy with his own life, but is he that wrapped up that he didn't even take a double glance when Paolo started working there? How many Italians with the first name of Paolo does he know? I'm with Kaden all the way.
This was a brilliant story, with a fantastic supporting cast. The only question I have is what is the title of Lenny and Nathan's book? I need to read that one too!!! The pacing was perfect, the characters were wonderful, and the overall story kept my attention from the very beginning.
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!
Apr 30, 2021
We start off with Paolo at fifteen. He has a crush on one of the chefs working with his dad, which is one of the things that gives him a clue he's gay. Overhearing a conversation between his crush and someone else talking about BDSM makes him curious enough to look into it. Fast forward a few years, and he's working with his crush... who has no idea who he is. Not only that but he's now married. Paolo is heartbroken, sure that he is in love with Carl. Enter Kaden. He is physically attracted to Paolo but is very wary considering he knows about the crush. And then the story really takes off!
I can't tell you just how much I loved this story (although I'll obviously try!). Paolo and Kaden are so perfect for each other. What one needs, the other provides, without even really thinking about it but just doing it. Due to his past, Kaden needs control. Paolo is desperate to have control taken away from him, in every aspect of his life. These two really made my heart happy.
I'm going to be honest here and say that Carl, who is in book two which I haven't read, doesn't really come across that well. Bless him, I know he's busy with his own life, but is he that wrapped up that he didn't even take a double glance when Paolo started working there? How many Italians with the first name of Paolo does he know? I'm with Kaden all the way.
This was a brilliant story, with a fantastic supporting cast. The only question I have is what is the title of Lenny and Nathan's book? I need to read that one too!!! The pacing was perfect, the characters were wonderful, and the overall story kept my attention from the very beginning.
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!
Apr 30, 2021
Merissa (12874 KP) rated The Reluctant Savior (Etherya's Earth #4) in Books
Mar 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
THE RELUCTANT SAVIOR is Evie and Kenden's story and is the fourth book in the Etherya's Earth series. Evie is Darkrip and Miranda's sister and one who suffered her father's attention in ways a child never should. Due to this, she fled to the human world and thinks herself beyond redemption. She didn't count on the Slayers though. With both Kenden and Miranda convinced there is good inside her, what will she do?
Now, I took some time to warm up to Evie. Not because she was evil. Nope, I liked that about her. What I didn't like was that she seemed so... blah about the possibility of having good in her. Now, I do realise that with her 'upbringing' thinking of having good inside her would be difficult, but it was like she dismissed it without even considering it. And when she has Darkrip as a brother, even discounting Miranda, then surely, SURELY it was worth consideration.
Anyway, it's a good job she had Kenden as he put up with her mood swings and challenged her too. He is as placid and scheming as ever, so the perfect foil for Evie! He doesn't like it when Evie out-schemes him but then takes pleasure in the fact she has outwitted him. He also makes sure he gets his own way mixed in with Evie's, even when she doesn't like not having it all her own way.
Now, as with all Rebecca Hefner books, you also get some added extras. Some we know from before, some we met briefly, and some we've only seen one side to. So happy for Nolan and Sadie, and I really hope I see more of them. One thing though - TALK TO EACH OTHER!! LOL But we also have Aron and Moira, plus another two I won't talk about! You can read that for yourself.
This novel finishes one part of the story arc whilst giving you a glimpse into the next. And boy, is it a doozy! I can't wait to continue this series and find out what's going to happen next.
Another jewel in the crown of this series and 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!
Mar 15, 2022
Now, I took some time to warm up to Evie. Not because she was evil. Nope, I liked that about her. What I didn't like was that she seemed so... blah about the possibility of having good in her. Now, I do realise that with her 'upbringing' thinking of having good inside her would be difficult, but it was like she dismissed it without even considering it. And when she has Darkrip as a brother, even discounting Miranda, then surely, SURELY it was worth consideration.
Anyway, it's a good job she had Kenden as he put up with her mood swings and challenged her too. He is as placid and scheming as ever, so the perfect foil for Evie! He doesn't like it when Evie out-schemes him but then takes pleasure in the fact she has outwitted him. He also makes sure he gets his own way mixed in with Evie's, even when she doesn't like not having it all her own way.
Now, as with all Rebecca Hefner books, you also get some added extras. Some we know from before, some we met briefly, and some we've only seen one side to. So happy for Nolan and Sadie, and I really hope I see more of them. One thing though - TALK TO EACH OTHER!! LOL But we also have Aron and Moira, plus another two I won't talk about! You can read that for yourself.
This novel finishes one part of the story arc whilst giving you a glimpse into the next. And boy, is it a doozy! I can't wait to continue this series and find out what's going to happen next.
Another jewel in the crown of this series and 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!
Mar 15, 2022
Merissa (12874 KP) rated Reap This (Oh So Happy Holidays #1) in Books
Nov 1, 2017
Reap This (Oh So Happy Holidays #1) by Rafe Jadison
Reap This is a novella about Seamus, a witch from Massachusetts, who has been given information that he can't handle right now. So he goes home for the comfort of his family, coincidentally at the same time as Samhain. What he does there gives you the rest of the story, so I'll stop here.
Now, first thing I must say is how refreshing it is to read a book that actually talks about being a witch and Samhain without exaggerating and being over the top. Not only that, but Seamus' reactions to what he has been told are also completely believable. This book is a combination of sorrow and hope. I had tears in my ears in the first quarter of the book as you find out more about Seamus and what is going on with him. Al the way through, you are not sure just how it will end, but you do hold onto the hope that I mentioned before. The letter at the end made me laugh out loud, so you are left with a smile on your face, even if the ending isn't what you expect.
I loved this book, from start to end. Rafe Jadison is a brilliant author who engages with his readers through the words of his stories. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, first thing I must say is how refreshing it is to read a book that actually talks about being a witch and Samhain without exaggerating and being over the top. Not only that, but Seamus' reactions to what he has been told are also completely believable. This book is a combination of sorrow and hope. I had tears in my ears in the first quarter of the book as you find out more about Seamus and what is going on with him. Al the way through, you are not sure just how it will end, but you do hold onto the hope that I mentioned before. The letter at the end made me laugh out loud, so you are left with a smile on your face, even if the ending isn't what you expect.
I loved this book, from start to end. Rafe Jadison is a brilliant author who engages with his readers through the words of his stories. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!