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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated No One Knows in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Josh and Aubrey Hamilton had a great marriage and a seemingly wonderful life, until her husband disappeared five years ago. Josh vanishes into thin air - as the couple head into a bachelor/bachelorette party - and is never seen or heard from ago. When Josh's mom finally has him declared dead, Aubrey is devastated. How will she move on without Josh? Then there's the matter of the $5M life insurance policy he put into place shortly before his death. His mom plans to fight her for it, but Aubrey doesn't care. She just wants Josh back. So much she imagines she sees him around the places they loved so much. Or is she just imagining this?
This was an interesting and well-written thriller. I was hooked from the beginning. You rarely read a book where the husband disappears, but you hear the story from the wife's perspective, so that was a nice change of pace. The story flips back and forth in time, so we can unravel bits and pieces of it ourselves, but we mainly hear from Aubrey's perspective, which is sort of nice.
The novel is suspenseful and keeps you guessing. Aubrey is a complicated character (as is Josh, really) and Ellison does a good job explaining their childhoods and how they became the people they are. There's a supporting cast of characters who are also pretty well-developed. To me, the ending was a little sudden, but still well-done. Even better, it pretty much surprised me, which isn't always easy to do.
I vacillated on this a bit, but overall 4 stars - it's a thrilling and enjoyable novel. (Even if I did constantly think of the baseball player every time I read the name Josh Hamilton!)
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This was an interesting and well-written thriller. I was hooked from the beginning. You rarely read a book where the husband disappears, but you hear the story from the wife's perspective, so that was a nice change of pace. The story flips back and forth in time, so we can unravel bits and pieces of it ourselves, but we mainly hear from Aubrey's perspective, which is sort of nice.
The novel is suspenseful and keeps you guessing. Aubrey is a complicated character (as is Josh, really) and Ellison does a good job explaining their childhoods and how they became the people they are. There's a supporting cast of characters who are also pretty well-developed. To me, the ending was a little sudden, but still well-done. Even better, it pretty much surprised me, which isn't always easy to do.
I vacillated on this a bit, but overall 4 stars - it's a thrilling and enjoyable novel. (Even if I did constantly think of the baseball player every time I read the name Josh Hamilton!)
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Dead Will Tell (Kate Burkholder, #6) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
The sixth installment in Castillo's Kate Burkholder series finds Burkholder, Chief of Police of Painters Mill, investigating the apparent suicide of one of her town's citizens. Of course, not everything is at it seems, and Kate quickly realizes she's at a murder scene. Soon after, Kate finds herself investigating another death. Is it related to the first? And how are these deaths linked to a horrible tragedy that happened at a local Amish farm back in the 1970s? Meanwhile, as she juggles these cases, Kate finds herself in a difficult place with her boyfriend, John Tomasetti. The two have finally moved in together, but Tomasetti is struggling with his own demons, which threaten to destroy the life the couple has finally built.
Honestly, all of the Kate Burkholder novels are pretty similar. I'm a bit astounded why anyone would continue to live in Painters Mill at this point, as people die at an alarming rate in this town. Still, Castillo always offers an interesting mystery in her books, and this one is no exception. This particular novel offers an interesting intersection of the Amish in Painters Mill and the "English" community. I figured out the plot fairly early, but it didn't make the book any less readable or compelling. The book would stand-alone if you haven't read the previous novels, though the backstory between Tomasetti and Kate makes more sense if you're up to date. It seemed like some of Tomasetti's issues were a bit awkwardly inserted into the plot, but I'm glad to see the two of them progressing forward. Kate's not the most deep character, but she's likable and easy to root for, with a love for her job and her police "family" that comes across as strong and admirable.
Overall, an easy read with an enjoyable, if not exactly surprising, mystery plot. 3.5 stars.
Honestly, all of the Kate Burkholder novels are pretty similar. I'm a bit astounded why anyone would continue to live in Painters Mill at this point, as people die at an alarming rate in this town. Still, Castillo always offers an interesting mystery in her books, and this one is no exception. This particular novel offers an interesting intersection of the Amish in Painters Mill and the "English" community. I figured out the plot fairly early, but it didn't make the book any less readable or compelling. The book would stand-alone if you haven't read the previous novels, though the backstory between Tomasetti and Kate makes more sense if you're up to date. It seemed like some of Tomasetti's issues were a bit awkwardly inserted into the plot, but I'm glad to see the two of them progressing forward. Kate's not the most deep character, but she's likable and easy to root for, with a love for her job and her police "family" that comes across as strong and admirable.
Overall, an easy read with an enjoyable, if not exactly surprising, mystery plot. 3.5 stars.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated We've Come to Take You Home in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for giving me the opportunity to read this.
While I tried as hard as I could to enjoy this book, I couldn't quite click with it and found I had to push myself to continue reading it. The book was written beautifully and the story is tragic and heart breaking but uplifting in its own sense, however it's not the sort of book I'd normally read.
I felt the description made this book feel more like a suspense novel, when really it was a tragic drama and in some aspects reminded me of Sarah Waters, The Paying Guests (another book I wasn't a fan of).
For me the story just didn't flow well enough. While I understood the plot and the connection of the two main characters there was still some aspect of it that I just didn't get. I felt as though some of the "big reveals" in this book were subtly skipped over to provide as little information about it as possible which made the big reveals not so big and a lot less exciting.
By the end of the novel I had lost the will to read this and really had to force myself to read the last couple of chapters. Towards the end of the book I began to lose track of the story, the two peoples lives merging into one.
While it may seem like all in doing is complaining, I still found this book interesting in the sense that it was very well written, the story was unique and I actually managed to get through it. I think this book would be excellent for drama and war genre lovers, but for me this lacked the excitement I'm used to in a book and so three stars is all I can give.
While I tried as hard as I could to enjoy this book, I couldn't quite click with it and found I had to push myself to continue reading it. The book was written beautifully and the story is tragic and heart breaking but uplifting in its own sense, however it's not the sort of book I'd normally read.
I felt the description made this book feel more like a suspense novel, when really it was a tragic drama and in some aspects reminded me of Sarah Waters, The Paying Guests (another book I wasn't a fan of).
For me the story just didn't flow well enough. While I understood the plot and the connection of the two main characters there was still some aspect of it that I just didn't get. I felt as though some of the "big reveals" in this book were subtly skipped over to provide as little information about it as possible which made the big reveals not so big and a lot less exciting.
By the end of the novel I had lost the will to read this and really had to force myself to read the last couple of chapters. Towards the end of the book I began to lose track of the story, the two peoples lives merging into one.
While it may seem like all in doing is complaining, I still found this book interesting in the sense that it was very well written, the story was unique and I actually managed to get through it. I think this book would be excellent for drama and war genre lovers, but for me this lacked the excitement I'm used to in a book and so three stars is all I can give.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Truly, Madly, Whiskey (The Whiskeys #2) in Books
Mar 28, 2018
Truly, Madly, Whiskey (The Whiskeys #2) by Melissa Foster
Truly, Madly, Whiskey is the second book in The Whiskeys series, and we get Bear's story. Now, as you might assume by his name, Bear is growly, big, and very protective. He fell for Crystal eight months ago, and has been pursuing her ever since. Now if he can just get Crystal to see it his way, all will be good. Unfortunately, Crystal has a past which she is constantly fighting against, and she is worried that it will stand between her and Bear.
This book is amazing. It had me in tears, it made me smile, it made me laugh out loud. I didn't think anyone could knock Tru from his perch, but Bear came damn close. The story is harsh in a couple of ways, but everything in it needs to be there. You find out more about Crystal's past. You learn about what makes Bear tick. And, oh my, it's sooo good. Seriously!
This book is amazingly well written, with a smooth storyline and excellent pacing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was totally drawn into the story. The ending is just perfect for them, and I couldn't think of one more fitting for them. If you like The Whiskeys series, then I can highly recommend this book (even though you could read it as a standalone). If you haven't tried one yet, then you really need to try Tru Blue, and fall in love with Truman just like I did!
* 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!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=23086
This book is amazing. It had me in tears, it made me smile, it made me laugh out loud. I didn't think anyone could knock Tru from his perch, but Bear came damn close. The story is harsh in a couple of ways, but everything in it needs to be there. You find out more about Crystal's past. You learn about what makes Bear tick. And, oh my, it's sooo good. Seriously!
This book is amazingly well written, with a smooth storyline and excellent pacing. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was totally drawn into the story. The ending is just perfect for them, and I couldn't think of one more fitting for them. If you like The Whiskeys series, then I can highly recommend this book (even though you could read it as a standalone). If you haven't tried one yet, then you really need to try Tru Blue, and fall in love with Truman just like I did!
* 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!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=23086
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Walking Dead (Walker Papers, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I've enjoyed the other Walker Papers novels, but <i>Walking Dead</i> definitely showed more depth and maturity than the earlier volumes. Both the author and her lead character have grown very nicely. It's refreshing to read a series that does not fall into the all-too-familiar paranormal romance formula!
Another thing I enjoy about this series is that heroine Joanne has a supporting ensemble of friends and coworkers who have their own talents and foibles, including a delightful married couple, a sexy father figure (who isn't related to anyone we've met so far), and an even sexier boss. This time around we were treated to the return of a character Joanne rescued in an earlier volume who has grown into some of her own ass-kicking abilities.
Joanne is far from perfect, but she doesn't make the same mistakes over and over again, which is a pet peeve of mine and occurs all too often in some other authors works. (There's consistency, and then there's refusing to learn from mistakes to the extent that I have to believe that a character is too stupid to live.)
There is a thread that ties all of the Walker Papers together, but C.E. Murphy is keeping things fresh enough that I, at least, am not getting bored. I would, however, caution that this is a series that is best read completely and in order. I began reading one of the novels without realizing that there had been a novella published between it and the previous one, and found myself well and truly confused. Walking Dead definitely is not a good starting point for the series! While a new reader wouldn't necessarily be completely lost, she would miss far too much of the magic.
Another thing I enjoy about this series is that heroine Joanne has a supporting ensemble of friends and coworkers who have their own talents and foibles, including a delightful married couple, a sexy father figure (who isn't related to anyone we've met so far), and an even sexier boss. This time around we were treated to the return of a character Joanne rescued in an earlier volume who has grown into some of her own ass-kicking abilities.
Joanne is far from perfect, but she doesn't make the same mistakes over and over again, which is a pet peeve of mine and occurs all too often in some other authors works. (There's consistency, and then there's refusing to learn from mistakes to the extent that I have to believe that a character is too stupid to live.)
There is a thread that ties all of the Walker Papers together, but C.E. Murphy is keeping things fresh enough that I, at least, am not getting bored. I would, however, caution that this is a series that is best read completely and in order. I began reading one of the novels without realizing that there had been a novella published between it and the previous one, and found myself well and truly confused. Walking Dead definitely is not a good starting point for the series! While a new reader wouldn't necessarily be completely lost, she would miss far too much of the magic.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Heart of Venom (Elemental Assassin, #9) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Sophia, the goth dwarf who is the head cook at the Pork Pit, has been a bit of a puzzle throughout the Elemental Assassin series. How did she come to have the body disposal skills she uses to help Gin? Has she always been so diametrically opposed to her oh-so-feminine sister, JoJo? And what is the full story behind the trauma that ruined her voice? This book answers those questions.
We also get a little movement in the will-they-or-won't-they-reunite story of Gin and Owen, as well as a tiny bit of movement in the bigger story arc concerning Mab Monroe's heir. Thankfully, Finn is largely absent this time around. I find his whining about his clothes, cars, hair, etc. to be insufferable and cannot imagine what Bria sees in him, but there you go.
I feel like I should mention that this book gets brutal. I mean, if you've followed Gin Blanco this far, you aren't expecting flowers and rainbows, but I had to out this one down a couple of times. The details got to me. The descriptions were just too much, and the depravity of the villains was just too far out there. There haven't exactly been any shades of gray with previous bad guys, but I fully expected these to be roasting babies for dinner or some such.
It just occurred to me that I don't recall encountering any queer characters in this series. Or in any of Estep's other work. I've read several Bigtime novels, one or two of the Mythos Academy books, and everything she's published in this series, and everybody seems to be straight. Am I forgetting Something? How can an entire universe be heterosexual? Anybody?
We also get a little movement in the will-they-or-won't-they-reunite story of Gin and Owen, as well as a tiny bit of movement in the bigger story arc concerning Mab Monroe's heir. Thankfully, Finn is largely absent this time around. I find his whining about his clothes, cars, hair, etc. to be insufferable and cannot imagine what Bria sees in him, but there you go.
I feel like I should mention that this book gets brutal. I mean, if you've followed Gin Blanco this far, you aren't expecting flowers and rainbows, but I had to out this one down a couple of times. The details got to me. The descriptions were just too much, and the depravity of the villains was just too far out there. There haven't exactly been any shades of gray with previous bad guys, but I fully expected these to be roasting babies for dinner or some such.
It just occurred to me that I don't recall encountering any queer characters in this series. Or in any of Estep's other work. I've read several Bigtime novels, one or two of the Mythos Academy books, and everything she's published in this series, and everybody seems to be straight. Am I forgetting Something? How can an entire universe be heterosexual? Anybody?
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Sometimes I Lie in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Takes unreliable narrator to a whole new level.
Amber wakes up in the hospital in a coma after an accident, which she cannot remember. She is paralyzed, unable to move or speak. She feels convinced that her husband, Paul, may have had something to do with it. Her visitors include Paul and her sister, Claire.
Well, this is an interesting one. The novel takes the unreliable narrator trope to the highest level. After all, Amber is in a coma, with memory issues. She also tells us, at the beginning of the novel, that she lies. Armed with this information, we are thrown headfirst into the story, trying to figure out exactly what has happened. The reader struggles along with Amber to learn what happened as she overhears snippets in her hotel room. It's quite the ride.
The novel is told in three parts: Amber's thoughts as she struggles to remember from within the coma, Amber telling events as they lead up to the accident, and snippets of childhood journal entries. The result is a confusing, suspenseful read that makes you instantly suspicious about everything and everyone. The novel is full of warning signs and creepy moments. It also features its share of impressive twists and turns. I was definitely shocked a couple of times.
I was, honestly, a little confused sometimes too. I have some weird feelings on this one. It's a great thriller. It keeps you guessing, and it surprises you. A lot, if you're me. I'm not sure I always enjoyed it, but I'm certainly impressed by it, if that makes any sense. No more details, as I highly recommend going in spoiler-free.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. More at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
Well, this is an interesting one. The novel takes the unreliable narrator trope to the highest level. After all, Amber is in a coma, with memory issues. She also tells us, at the beginning of the novel, that she lies. Armed with this information, we are thrown headfirst into the story, trying to figure out exactly what has happened. The reader struggles along with Amber to learn what happened as she overhears snippets in her hotel room. It's quite the ride.
The novel is told in three parts: Amber's thoughts as she struggles to remember from within the coma, Amber telling events as they lead up to the accident, and snippets of childhood journal entries. The result is a confusing, suspenseful read that makes you instantly suspicious about everything and everyone. The novel is full of warning signs and creepy moments. It also features its share of impressive twists and turns. I was definitely shocked a couple of times.
I was, honestly, a little confused sometimes too. I have some weird feelings on this one. It's a great thriller. It keeps you guessing, and it surprises you. A lot, if you're me. I'm not sure I always enjoyed it, but I'm certainly impressed by it, if that makes any sense. No more details, as I highly recommend going in spoiler-free.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. More at https://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/.
Gail (4 KP) rated Rock My Body (Mondez, #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Rock My Body by Lee Piper ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Four Stars
Rock My body by Lee Piper is a whirlwind of hot and heavy. The story is centered around Riley Sears and Dominic Mondez. Riley is a midwife and has major OCD and anxiety issues. She has been through the ringer all her life and it just seems like she can’t get it right. Dominic is a musician and loves fixing up old school cars. Their story is a storm of highs and lows. When diving in be prepared to feel at every flip of the page. If you’ve ever felt abandoned, unloved, worthless or fear this book will have you in all your feelings. But you also see those same feelings get pushed away but believing in yourself. Dominic is your everyday jerk. He wants what he wants and will do what he can to get it. He doesn’t do relationships or sleep with the same woman twice. He gives off the vibe of someone who would do nothing but leave broken hearts every where he goes. But is it just a cover up for some dark past? I fell in love with this couple because no matter what they did they kept coming back to each other. Fate damned them and the clouds never looked so dark. I loved reading how Riley found her self worth. How she grew into loving herself and knowing she was enough. I recommend you pick this book up not just for the seriously delicious images of male perfection. But for the down right joy of an author who knew what she wanted to get across to her readers and nailed it.
Four Stars
Rock My body by Lee Piper is a whirlwind of hot and heavy. The story is centered around Riley Sears and Dominic Mondez. Riley is a midwife and has major OCD and anxiety issues. She has been through the ringer all her life and it just seems like she can’t get it right. Dominic is a musician and loves fixing up old school cars. Their story is a storm of highs and lows. When diving in be prepared to feel at every flip of the page. If you’ve ever felt abandoned, unloved, worthless or fear this book will have you in all your feelings. But you also see those same feelings get pushed away but believing in yourself. Dominic is your everyday jerk. He wants what he wants and will do what he can to get it. He doesn’t do relationships or sleep with the same woman twice. He gives off the vibe of someone who would do nothing but leave broken hearts every where he goes. But is it just a cover up for some dark past? I fell in love with this couple because no matter what they did they kept coming back to each other. Fate damned them and the clouds never looked so dark. I loved reading how Riley found her self worth. How she grew into loving herself and knowing she was enough. I recommend you pick this book up not just for the seriously delicious images of male perfection. But for the down right joy of an author who knew what she wanted to get across to her readers and nailed it.
b.Young (97 KP) rated Apocalypticon in Books
Jun 1, 2018
Witty dialog (1 more)
Humorous take on apocalypse genre
The most humorous apocalypse book I've ever read
I found this book offered for Kindle and decided to read it based on the fact that it was humorous instead of serious.
Apocalypticon is a story of two friends in Chicago that somehow survived M-Day, the day the monkey shaped missiles were launched from Jamaica to destroy most of the inhabitants of Earth, only to pack up 3 years later and make a whirlwind trip to visit Disney World, of all places.
Along the way, Patrick and Ben come across some very colorful survivors like Violet, a woman who runs the only bridge out of town like a restaurant: hostess stand, bus boys, wine and all; an Amtrak Captain who happens to be the only one left in the country, that is obsessed with keeping a schedule he never can seem to keep; a futune teller that warns Patrick of his fate; a couple of religious cults, each morbidly twisted in their own way; zombie-like creatures called Runners that snorted their way into the realm of the semi-undead; a gun-toting chick that thinks that the Runners can be cured; and journalist who is trying to make sense of why certain people survived the decimation of 98% of the world's population.
Now, don't get me wrong, there were plenty of action scenes where people and things got effed up, but not so much of the blood and gore that typically goes along with genre.
I surprised myself by actually laughing out loud while reading this...several times, I might add.
I recommend Apocalypticon to anyone who enjoys a good apocalypse story and can accept the hilarity of the situation at hand.
Apocalypticon is a story of two friends in Chicago that somehow survived M-Day, the day the monkey shaped missiles were launched from Jamaica to destroy most of the inhabitants of Earth, only to pack up 3 years later and make a whirlwind trip to visit Disney World, of all places.
Along the way, Patrick and Ben come across some very colorful survivors like Violet, a woman who runs the only bridge out of town like a restaurant: hostess stand, bus boys, wine and all; an Amtrak Captain who happens to be the only one left in the country, that is obsessed with keeping a schedule he never can seem to keep; a futune teller that warns Patrick of his fate; a couple of religious cults, each morbidly twisted in their own way; zombie-like creatures called Runners that snorted their way into the realm of the semi-undead; a gun-toting chick that thinks that the Runners can be cured; and journalist who is trying to make sense of why certain people survived the decimation of 98% of the world's population.
Now, don't get me wrong, there were plenty of action scenes where people and things got effed up, but not so much of the blood and gore that typically goes along with genre.
I surprised myself by actually laughing out loud while reading this...several times, I might add.
I recommend Apocalypticon to anyone who enjoys a good apocalypse story and can accept the hilarity of the situation at hand.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Flatliners (2017) in Movies
Jul 14, 2018
The casting (1 more)
Keifer Sutherland
An Unnecessary Remake
I feel cheated. I've watched the original so many times, and wish I'd just watched it again. This was a completely unnecessary remake of what many consider to be a classic film (does it count as a classic from 1990?).
I can kind of "get" the idea of a remake or a "reboot", given the progress in technology and medical science in the space of almost 30 years, so to bring a more contemporary feel for a modern audience would make sense to some extent. Instead, a film that was really thought provoking was turned into something that felt like, in parts, Final Destination.
A couple of lines tied the new version to the old, as well as Keifer Sutherland - one of the original cast of medical students - plays the part of a "House"-type doctor teaching the "Flatliners" in the new version.
The casting wasn't ideal - for instance, James Norton's American accent is kind of concerning. If he was a must-have for the film, couldn't his part have been as an international student?! Nina Dobrev played Elena from The Vampire Diaries in a lab coat. Similarly, the characters were a bit flat and one-dimensional. For instance, Ray used to be a firefighter. Great, where are we going with that? Oh, right, it never gets mentioned again!
Strangely, a lot of the film feels very rushed, with no real development of the stories of the individual characters or of how they go about the actual flatlining itself, while simultaneously feeling like very little of note actually happens.
Honestly, although the original is going to feel a little dated now, watch that instead of this. I feel like I want my money back - and we watched it on TV...
I can kind of "get" the idea of a remake or a "reboot", given the progress in technology and medical science in the space of almost 30 years, so to bring a more contemporary feel for a modern audience would make sense to some extent. Instead, a film that was really thought provoking was turned into something that felt like, in parts, Final Destination.
A couple of lines tied the new version to the old, as well as Keifer Sutherland - one of the original cast of medical students - plays the part of a "House"-type doctor teaching the "Flatliners" in the new version.
The casting wasn't ideal - for instance, James Norton's American accent is kind of concerning. If he was a must-have for the film, couldn't his part have been as an international student?! Nina Dobrev played Elena from The Vampire Diaries in a lab coat. Similarly, the characters were a bit flat and one-dimensional. For instance, Ray used to be a firefighter. Great, where are we going with that? Oh, right, it never gets mentioned again!
Strangely, a lot of the film feels very rushed, with no real development of the stories of the individual characters or of how they go about the actual flatlining itself, while simultaneously feeling like very little of note actually happens.
Honestly, although the original is going to feel a little dated now, watch that instead of this. I feel like I want my money back - and we watched it on TV...