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The Girl Before
The Girl Before
J.P. Delaney | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.7 (25 Ratings)
Book Rating
I would like to begin by saying one simple word, WOW. This book left me absolutely speechless to be honest. This book is a masterpiece and I’m absolutely in love with this author. This book begins quite calm, by looking for some properties in London and introducing the characters: then - Simon and Emma and now - Jane. It tells two stories at the same time, the action which happened three years ago and the action which is happening currently. I really enjoyed that there is not story from one person’s perspective but two characters are telling their story at the same time. All the main characters are really disturbed in this book and have their own problems which influenced their personalities. There is this taste of “fifty shades of Gray” in this book; just it doesn’t flatter the book unfortunately. I really liked the way characters where untangled while you flip the pages, the way their personalities unfolded. They were not boring, one thing what I would’ve liked, is more insight into Simon's and Edward's personalities and how do they think, I would’ve liked their perspective in the book. Even though the men in this book seemed like strong and demanding ones, in the end of the day I think the women were the strong ones and the most determined ones in this book.

I found the plot original and I loved all the twists and turns which were going on in the book. Every chapter had something happening and it didn’t leave me bored. The more you go into the book, the more plot thickens, the more twists happen and it really kept me hooked. I think it was really great, that the book talked about really important topics, and the psychological aspects of eating disorders, how parents feel after still birth, parents thought about disabled children or how minimalist sees world. I’m new to minimalism and just briefly checked on it, but after reading this book I’m confused if I really want to know more… I loved that the name “the girl before” had deeper meaning than only finding out Emma’s story, it felt way deeper than it looked. The book itself is easy to read and the writing style was not difficult. The chapters are quite short so it doesn’t drag along. I really loved the ending of the book, which concluded the book really nicely but at the same time left me questioning. So to conclude, even though a lot of reviewers bashed this book, I loved this twisted, fast paced and full of suspense and psychological labyrinths creation and I recommend to try it and decide for yourself.
  
AL
A Love for Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was only going to read a couple in this anthology but once I started I couldn't stop reading most of them. I have reviewed the ones I've read.
Trading yesterday by Kahlen Aymes - This is the first chapter of a new series from this author and what a start it is. This chapter gives you a taste of what's to come and I definitely can't wait to read more. This author never fails to deliver an outstanding read.
The break (breaking free #1) by Debra Presley - This book feels like it could be the start of something fantastic. This story is very well written with realistic emotions and danger. The characters are fantastic and I can't wait to read more from them in the future. A bit of a cliff hanger ending, which gives you a taster of what's to come.
Almost too late by Micalea Smeltzer - This is the first book by this author that I've read and it definitely wont be the last. This is a novella to the willow creek series, which I'll be downloading as soon as possible. This story is the back story of the characters. This novella has some twists and turns through out the story. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
What happens on spring break by R.C. Stephens - This is a fun and flirty read from this author. This book has fantastic characters with lots of chemistry. The twists and turns in this book will leave you wanting more.
Burning the midnight oil by Eilson Grace - This is the first book by this author that I've read and it definitely wont be the last. This book has fantastic characters with very hot chemistry. I'm definitely going to have a look on Amazon for more by this author.
Babysitting for the biker by Sammie Starlight - This is the first book by this author that I've read and it wont be the last. This is a short very hot and steamy story with fantastic characters. This story will grab your attention from the start and keep you reading till the end.
Awakened : a Leila Marx worlds novella by Amber Garr - This is the first book by this author that I've read and it wont be the last. The characters were cute, they would be fab in a full length book of there own. I really enjoyed this book, just wished it would have been longer.
Do you mind? by Freya Barker - This is the first book by this author that I've read and it wont be the last. This story draws you in from the first page. This is a beautiful story. The perfect short story. The characters are very likeable and you will fall in love with them from the start. This book has plenty of hot and steamy scenes and the chemistry between the characters is off the chart.
This is a fantastic collection of well written stories, definitely worth a read.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
  
P(
Possession (Possession, #1)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I haven't figured out how I feel about Possession. I'm not sure if it's a 5 star book or a 1 star book.

Short story: It's really good.

Long story: well, that's a bit more involved.

Reasons this book was really good:

1. Pacing: Excellent. One thing leads to another, it's almost impossible to put down, and the tension never really goes away.
2. Good dialogue, good but concise descriptions, catchy interior monologue.
3. Good characters.
4. Jag is really sexy.

Reasons I wanted to slam my head against a wall while I was reading it:

1. Jag is awesome. Vi is awesome. Their relationship? Extremely dysfunctional. They are freaking bi-polar. One minute they're having a decent conversation, the next someone jumps to a conclusion and gets emotionally hurt and storms off, twenty-four hours and a hot shower later, they're sorry and cuddling and making out. THIS IS NOT A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A RELATIONSHIP. Oh my word.
2. I got lost around Chapter 30. Stuff started happening, I could never tell if Vi was Vi or if she was dreaming, sometimes something would happen and it was a little cryptic, and confusing, and one thing stacked on top of another until by chapter 40 I was like "what the crap is going on?" I seriously closed the book and wasn't going to finish but I just HAD to know what happened. (I really should have quit while I was ahead.)
3. I got to the point where I couldn't tell who was the good guy and who was the bad guy, and I kind of stopped caring.

Reasons why the ending pissed me off:

1. The only bad guy who could have become good, didn't.
2. Then, the bad guys won.

Honestly, now that I've finished it, I really wish I hadn't. Luckily I checked Goodreads and found out it was book 1 in a series. Because THAT'S NOT AN ENDING. That was worse than The Hunger Games and Catching Fire endings!!!

Content/Recommendation: Some language and kissing, ages 16+
  
A Throne of Swans
A Throne of Swans
Katharine Corr, Elizabeth Corr | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonist in this book is Aderyn, and the book is told from her perspective. I liked her naivety and inexperience in the politics of the court. It was quite cute to watch her struggle to make decisions, that could change not only her life but the life of her whole dominion as well. I really liked the romantic tension in this novel as well, it was interesting to see, which of the boys Aderyn will choose. I liked all the characters the authors picked for this book, they are all diverse and intriguing. That is why I would’ve liked more perspectives, especially Lucien’s, he is such a mysterious guy, and I would’ve loved to read all his secret endeavours.

The plot was pretty slow, at least for half of the book. I liked the twists and plots the authors brought to this book, but I don’t think it was enough. Until the end Aderyn was quite weak and helpless, only at the end, she has done some surprising changes, that I loved. I think for this book, the chapters were too long. The plot was not very eventful, and I was quite bored sometimes, counting the pages to the next chapter.

The writing style was easy to read, and I can see where the authors are steering the plot, I have very high expectations for the second part. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, but I liked the detailed descriptions of the places, I think they looked stunning. The ending was a true gem, I really loved Aderyn’s choices and the intrigue created. So, to conclude, it was quite a long introduction to the upcoming book. I liked the characters and the world it was set in, but I am expecting more perspectives, more action and deceit, as well as shorter chapters in the upcoming part.
  
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hilarious, it made me think, especially when it came to the chapter about hair and the angry black woman myth. It was insightful, funny, interesting and a nice delve into someone else's mind who seems to enjoy TV, celebrities and movies as much as I do. I'm going to be honest, I didn't know who Phoebe Robinson before reading this book and I feel ashamed to say that now, but I definitely know who she is now. She's someone not afraid to speak her "troof" (inside joke), which is something that not everyone is able and willing to do in this day and age. If you're looking for a great read into the mind of a black woman who just happens to also be a comedian, pick up a copy today. You won't be disappointed!!
  
TS
True Stories
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This collection of 10 non-fiction stories feature stories of shipwreck and bear attack from the 1800’s, the life of Blues musician Muddy Waters, and growing up with six older brothers in Vietnam. Personally, I want to start exploring creeks like the guy who wrote the last chapter here.

I don’t normally read non-fiction, but I enjoyed all 10 of the stories here. They were entertaining, which is what it takes to keep me reading. Middle school guys will love it, and anyone looking to learn something in an entertaining fashion will enjoy it.

NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book, but no review was requested or promised. My thoughts are my own.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/09/book-review-guys-read-5-true-stories.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
I never thought I would like a series like this one. It was new to me and I did enjoy it. You get something that no other book does or often. You get recipes at the end of each chapter. I want to finish out this series when the books come out. I hope it soon. If you like recipes this book may be for you. None the less I hope you can decide for yourself. I hope you enjoy reading it. I hope you have a good experience with it but if not it okay. I really had a hard time putting it down. My other this is I had a little bit of a hard time reading it. It had nothing to do with the author or her writing. It had something to do with me myself and understanding the concept.