Shakespeare's Sonnets and Poems
Book
Not for nothing is William Shakespeare considered possibly the most famous writer in history; his...
Should We Stay or Should We Go
10.0
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When her father dies, Kay Wilkinson can’t cry. Over ten years, Alzheimer’s had steadily eroded...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Nowhere To Run in Books
Oct 24, 2021 (Updated Oct 24, 2021)
I think I can safely say that I'm a fan of James Oswald's work and I particularly like his character DC Constance Fairchild, otherwise known as Con. She is one tough cookie and this is shown in all its glory here.
It starts off pretty sedately with Con recuperating in an isolated cottage in Wales but, as is the case with Con, trouble seems to find her regardless of whether she is in the centre of London or in the middle of nowhere! Here she is getting embroiled in a smuggling operation on the Welsh coastline - you just know from the very beginning that things aren't going to go well for Con but little do we know just how bad.
Once again, Mr Oswald creates fantastic characters even ones of the four legged variety; I absolutely loved Gelert the deerhound who embodies the phrase "[wo]man's best friend" and I guarantee you will want a Gelert in your life albeit without the flatulence!
With action from the start, numerous scenes of peril and suspense all wrapped up perfectly in a plot which mixes contemporary themes with Welsh folklore and a touch of the unexplained, this is a book that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Thank you Headline and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (14181 KP) rated Motion to Quash in Books
Sep 17, 2025
Okay, so maybe it doesn't start too well, what with a possible attempted r@pe (nothing happens), followed by a m*rder. But it does get better for Fin, I promise. He goes to his friend Kayse, who calls his friend Spencer, who calls his friend Jack. Jack says he'll help and immediately falls head over heels, determined to do everything to keep his Fin safe.
This is one of those books that gives you a break from reality, even with a contemporary setting. The thought of someone with money to burn, who wants nothing more than a relationship with you that fits perfectly, and sorts out all of your problems too, is just amazing! Saying that, I did so love Fin's moments when he commented on money, or the amount of things needed, or when he put Jack in his place.
This was a smoothly written, medium-paced story, with plenty of action, but it doesn't go too deep. Jack has a caretaking kink, so prepare yourself for someone who wants to help. I would say the main themes are hopeful and lighthearted, with Marcus providing the light entertainment.
I would love to see more from these characters, especially Kayse and Spencer, and Marcus. If you're looking for the warm fuzzies, then I can definitely recommend this one.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 17, 2025
Motion to Quash
8.0
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If Findley Cross didn’t have bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all. You see, Fin had a...
Contemporary MM Romance
Cash (Ruthless Daddies #6)
8.0
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Cho “Brick” Brixton enjoys cooking, working in his yard, and binge-watching television while...
Contemporary MM Mafia Romance
Duchess of Malfi, the White Devil, the Broken Heart and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore
John Ford, John Webster and Jane Kingsley-Smith
6.5
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These four plays, written during the reigns of James I and Charles I, took revenge tragedy in dark...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Summer Days and Summer Nights: Twelve Summer Romances in Books
May 25, 2017
Stephanie Perkins, the best selling author of Anna and the French Kiss has compiled a second anthology of short stories. Twelve selected tales have been included from a variety of young adult authors including: Libba Bray, Veronica Roth, Cassandra Clare and Jennifer E. Smith. For those that have read Perkins’ previous anthology, My True Love Gave To Me, the concept is the same. Twelve love stories set in, as the title, Summer Days and Summer Nights, strongly suggests, the summer.
What can be expected from all the stories in this collection is that they fit snuggly into the Romance genre of young adult fiction. The way the authors decided to tackle this, however, was up to their own interpretations. Thus, the final outcome is a selection of works that fall into a variety of categories: fantasy, contemporary, LGBT, horror, sci-fi etc.
As a result there are a number of different character types and storylines, suggesting that there is bound to be something for everyone. There are lovey-dovey stories, heart-wrenching stories, exciting action stories, implying that there will be at least one you will favour, and hopefully make purchase worthwhile.
It is not merely love that can be found between these pages, so if you are, like me, not overly impressed with teenage love stories, there are other themes to focus on. Many of the main characters are nearing the end of their schooling and thinking about the future: college, perhaps. Readers discover, and possibly relate to, their hopes, doubts and fears of what is to come. Yet while these thoughts are buzzing in their heads they are also trying to enjoy their summers, some with summer jobs, others hanging out with friends. Alongside all of this are darker issues of depression, cancer and parents divorcing; events that many teenagers unfortunately have to deal with. So, throughout all the make-ups and break-ups, there is so much more going on under the surface.
It is always difficult to decide what age range “Young Adult” refers to. Some may assume it is anyone in their teens, however in the case of Summer Days and Summer Nights I would label it a book for older teenagers, those of similar ages to the characters depicted: sixteen to nineteen. This is due to the slightly adult themes of a few of the stories and the amount of swearing many of the authors resort to.
Unfortunately for me, I did not find a perfect story within this collection. There were some I enjoyed more than others; likewise there were some I was not keen on at all. It is for this reason I have only given a rating of three stars. I do not want to put prospective readers off however as this is merely a case of personal preferences and not a true reflection of the authors’ exceptional writing skills.
The Catholic Children’s Bible
Book and Education
App
The most loved Bible stories come to life before your eyes through vibrant images, dynamic...
Atlas of the Great Irish Famine
John Crowley, William J. Smyth and Mike Murphy
Book
The Great Famine is possibly the most pivotal event/experience in modern Irish history. Its global...