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Allison Knapp (118 KP) created a post
Feb 10, 2019
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2055 KP) rated Deadly Heat (Nikki Heat, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Nikki is juggling two cases. She's working a serial killer leaving a weird clue to tie his murders together when someone connected with her mother's murder case tries to kill her. Can she juggle both while dodging bureaucratic red tape?
As usual, the writing is a bit hard to get into, but once I do, I get lost in the story. The characters could be a bit better developed as well. Honestly, both are minor flaws because I have fun with this book. Very creative tie in, and I am already looking forward to the next one.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-deadly-heat-by-richard.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As usual, the writing is a bit hard to get into, but once I do, I get lost in the story. The characters could be a bit better developed as well. Honestly, both are minor flaws because I have fun with this book. Very creative tie in, and I am already looking forward to the next one.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/10/book-review-deadly-heat-by-richard.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf (Naked Werewolf, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
How To Flirt with a Naked Werewolf was a cute fun quick read. I was sucked into the story right away by the fun witty voice of the interior monologue, relaxed writing style, and likeable characters (oh ok and drool-worthy male protagonist). I don't often find such a fun writing style or voice from romance novels, but Molly Harper has surprised me. She used creative descriptions, character, and personality in her writing.
(minor spoiler alert, this paragraph only!) The plot itself was a little "twilight-esque" with the whole "we can't be together so I'm going to leave and be emo" thing, the "I'm too dangerous for you" thing, and the constant nausea and realizing she's pregnant thing. But I liked Mo a lot better than Bella (who, can I just say, deserved an emo masochist) so I'm not too bothered by it. Plus, these 370 pages had just as much plot—and maybe more—than the entire twilight saga combined. Then again that's not hard to do.
I really enjoyed this book and would pick up the next ones in the series if I had money and a job. Alas, I have $0.70 in my checking account and no income. I'll have to pick it up over the summer when I get my job back…
Content: some sex, mild language. Ages 18+
(minor spoiler alert, this paragraph only!) The plot itself was a little "twilight-esque" with the whole "we can't be together so I'm going to leave and be emo" thing, the "I'm too dangerous for you" thing, and the constant nausea and realizing she's pregnant thing. But I liked Mo a lot better than Bella (who, can I just say, deserved an emo masochist) so I'm not too bothered by it. Plus, these 370 pages had just as much plot—and maybe more—than the entire twilight saga combined. Then again that's not hard to do.
I really enjoyed this book and would pick up the next ones in the series if I had money and a job. Alas, I have $0.70 in my checking account and no income. I'll have to pick it up over the summer when I get my job back…
Content: some sex, mild language. Ages 18+
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Maddie (37 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 2: City of Ashes in Books
Dec 5, 2017
Relatable Characters (1 more)
Colorful Prose
Slower Pace (1 more)
Obvious Love Triangles
Second Installment of Solid YA Series
I just recently re-read the entire Mortal Instruments series and thoroughly enjoyed it (maybe even more so than the first time around). This book is a solid sequel to the first one, and continues to develop Claire's creative world and characters.
The action is fun, the romance is hot (although sometimes a little too distracting from the plot), and the writing is good. Claire does a great job mixing in humor and emotion with her story, so the characters are engaging - even when they are unreasonable, selfish, and childish.
Give the series a chance if you like YA. It's a fantastic source of entertainment.
The action is fun, the romance is hot (although sometimes a little too distracting from the plot), and the writing is good. Claire does a great job mixing in humor and emotion with her story, so the characters are engaging - even when they are unreasonable, selfish, and childish.
Give the series a chance if you like YA. It's a fantastic source of entertainment.
Caitlin Ann Cherniak (85 KP) rated Forever Mine in Books
Oct 22, 2018
Never have I been more pissed at so many characters in my life. They're either unrealistically sexist or so fucking weak that they can't even stand up for themselves until something really bad happens. Also, I felt it should've ended at a certain point because after Angel found out the truth about Sydney, the whole ending with Sarah seemed out of nowhere. I have to read this book as research for one of my creative writing classes, and I really wanted to stab myself in the eyes because I hated this book so much. Like good God! Who thinks that making a guy so old-fashioned as "girls and guys can't be friends" is a good idea? Welcome to 2018, moron!
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Romanov in Books
Jun 7, 2019
Completely Captivated
From the time I heard this book was coming out I just knew I had to read it. I will tell you that I lived Anastasia's life while reading this book and that's in part to the author's creative writing style. I found myself caught up in all of the emotional turmoil and upheaval that the entire family went through and I cried with the losses that occurred within this storyline. The blending of historical facts with fantasy kept me captivated until I turned the very last page. I quite honestly did not want the book to end and will reread this book. I really wonder how Anastasia's life would have turned out if she hadn't been murdered and this author gave me a glimpse of what could have been.
Blake Anderson recommended Blood Visions by Jay Reatard in Music (curated)
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Toma (The Dark Shadows #2) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. Toma is exactly as I envisioned him to be and so much more. Thanks to the author's creative writing style you are able to feel every single emotion that Anika and Toma experience. I even found myself calling Toma not so many nice names because though he is trying to do the right thing at times he also is being a jerk. Be forewarned that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down and I say this because I stayed up late to finish.
I cannot wait to read the next installment.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. Toma is exactly as I envisioned him to be and so much more. Thanks to the author's creative writing style you are able to feel every single emotion that Anika and Toma experience. I even found myself calling Toma not so many nice names because though he is trying to do the right thing at times he also is being a jerk. Be forewarned that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down and I say this because I stayed up late to finish.
I cannot wait to read the next installment.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The Curse of the Bruel Coven in Books
Dec 12, 2017
From the moment I started to read this book I knew I was in for a real treat and I loved every single moment of this book. Vivienne is a young adult who has tragically lost her mom and lives with her grandmother. She unexpectedly stumbles upon a secret that overwhelmingly changes not only her life but how she sees the world around her.
This author's creative and enlightening writing style swept me away into the magic of the past and the present, of good versus evil and of course witches. Unexpected twists and turns that keep you in this well weaved story line with beautiful and strong characters and I look forward to reading the next installment. This is a book that I will be recommending to everyone.
{I received an eARC via NetGalley and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own}
This author's creative and enlightening writing style swept me away into the magic of the past and the present, of good versus evil and of course witches. Unexpected twists and turns that keep you in this well weaved story line with beautiful and strong characters and I look forward to reading the next installment. This is a book that I will be recommending to everyone.
{I received an eARC via NetGalley and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own}
Andy K (10821 KP) Feb 10, 2019