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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2318 KP) rated Uncorking a Lie (A Sommelier Mystery #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Katie Stillwell is thrilled to be asked to join a dinner party where wine collector Paul Rafferty is planning to share a rare bottle he’s recently purchased with his friends. However, Katie doesn’t think the bottle looks or tastes like an old bottle of wine should. Before the evening is over, someone is dead. When Paul asks Katie to look into what happened, she finds people covering up secrets. Can she find the truth?
Despite growing up in this book’s setting of Sonoma County, California, I’m not a wine guy. That wasn’t a factor for me at all in following this plot based very heavily on wines. Everything I needed to know was expertly explained. The plot was fast with lots of twists and clues to keep me engaged. The book also has strong characters, both returning and new.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-uncorking-lie-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Despite growing up in this book’s setting of Sonoma County, California, I’m not a wine guy. That wasn’t a factor for me at all in following this plot based very heavily on wines. Everything I needed to know was expertly explained. The plot was fast with lots of twists and clues to keep me engaged. The book also has strong characters, both returning and new.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-uncorking-lie-by-nadine.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Designated Survivor - Season 1 in TV
Feb 15, 2018
Right from the first episode we are thrown into the thick of it as Tom Kirkman, an architect appointed to the US cabinet, is the appointed "designated survivor" - a member of government securely housed elsewhere during important events in case of a large scale attack. As he is watching the State of the Union Address, the unthinkable happens and the capitol building, with every other serving member of government inside, is blown up.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
The first few episodes show Kirkman try and acclimatise with his new role and the task of reassuring citizens and finding those responsible. The series quickly adds a 24-style anti-terror task force to the mix, and the action flows thick and fast from there.
This is one of the more interesting, gripping and original series of recent years. A few annoying little plot holes in the last episodes (no CCTV in the white house?!, security checkpoints fail, boats vanishing) but otherwise excellent.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Risen (Blood Eternal #1) in Books
Mar 17, 2018
"The answers we seek might be the only things that can save us now."
OMG! How could you leave me hanging by a thread??!! I was so caught up in this fast-paced story that I didn't realize I was reaching the cliff-hanging end until I flipped the page and was greeted with bonus content!! Who are the parents of... oh never mind, as I simply don't want to share any spoilers. Charlie has no idea of the existence of vampires until it's too late to do anything but little does she know that this revelation isn't the last. This well-developed storyline has it all from three vampire clans that have different gifts to action and just the right amount of romance and I love the characters. I hope that the author doesn't take too long in releasing the second book because my curiosity is going to have me bouncing off the walls.
OMG! How could you leave me hanging by a thread??!! I was so caught up in this fast-paced story that I didn't realize I was reaching the cliff-hanging end until I flipped the page and was greeted with bonus content!! Who are the parents of... oh never mind, as I simply don't want to share any spoilers. Charlie has no idea of the existence of vampires until it's too late to do anything but little does she know that this revelation isn't the last. This well-developed storyline has it all from three vampire clans that have different gifts to action and just the right amount of romance and I love the characters. I hope that the author doesn't take too long in releasing the second book because my curiosity is going to have me bouncing off the walls.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Risen (Blood Eternal #1) in Books
Mar 17, 2018
"The answers we seek might be the only things that can save us now."
OMG! How could you leave me hanging by a thread??!! I was so caught up in this fast paced story that I didn't realize I was reaching the cliff hanging end until I flipped the page and was greeted by bonus content!! Who are the parents of... oh never mind, as I simply don't want to share any spoilers. Charlie has no idea of the existence of vampires until it's too late to do anything but little does she know that this revelation isn't the last. This well developed storyline has it all from three vampire clans that have different gifts to action and just the right amount of romance and I love the characters. I hope that the author doesn't take too long in releasing the second book because my curiosity is going to have me bouncing off the walls.
OMG! How could you leave me hanging by a thread??!! I was so caught up in this fast paced story that I didn't realize I was reaching the cliff hanging end until I flipped the page and was greeted by bonus content!! Who are the parents of... oh never mind, as I simply don't want to share any spoilers. Charlie has no idea of the existence of vampires until it's too late to do anything but little does she know that this revelation isn't the last. This well developed storyline has it all from three vampire clans that have different gifts to action and just the right amount of romance and I love the characters. I hope that the author doesn't take too long in releasing the second book because my curiosity is going to have me bouncing off the walls.
Sarah is running a sport equipment exchange in a local school gym. The night before, as she is about to leave, someone attacks her. Despite the attack, the event goes off without a hitch – until Sarah finds the dead body of the school superintendent. What is going on?
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is another fabulous, fast paced read in one of my favorite series. There are several different avenues that Sarah investigates along the way, and they all come together beautifully for the climax. Meanwhile, we get some development in several series threads and a very funny sub-plot. Sarah continues to grow as a character, and the rest of the cast, both new and returning, are fantastic. The writing makes me feel like I’ve visited Sarah’s corner of the world.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-i-know-what-you-bid-last.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Forbidden (Arotas Trilogy, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the very first chapter, I was captured, hook, line, and sinker. The fate of Roseline's family/friends was just so raw, I could picture it in my head, and it made me shudder. I read as fast as I could to find out what happened to her as she started her new life in the U.S. as Rose. Her new-found friends, the strange connection she feels with the star quarterback, and her worries of being found definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering how it would all come together for her, and if she could continue to evade her immortal family.
The ending was INCREDIBLY awesome, and I'll definitely be waiting on pins and needles for more of this story. I can't wait to see how it continues from here, and I'm sure it'll be fantastic.
5 stars
From the very first chapter, I was captured, hook, line, and sinker. The fate of Roseline's family/friends was just so raw, I could picture it in my head, and it made me shudder. I read as fast as I could to find out what happened to her as she started her new life in the U.S. as Rose. Her new-found friends, the strange connection she feels with the star quarterback, and her worries of being found definitely kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering how it would all come together for her, and if she could continue to evade her immortal family.
The ending was INCREDIBLY awesome, and I'll definitely be waiting on pins and needles for more of this story. I can't wait to see how it continues from here, and I'm sure it'll be fantastic.
5 stars
Kristin (149 KP) rated Surviving ELE (ELE, #4) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in the ELE Series, and once again, the authors do not disappoint. The war between Willow and her friends and Zack and his minions has reached epic proportions, and they'll stop at nothing to take each other down. Willow's fighting for her family, her friends, her love, and her life, as Zack wants to sell her blood and powers to the highest bidder, while also keeping some for himself. He has to be stopped, and fast!
"Surviving ELE" is a wonderful continuation of Willow's story, as we see further into Zack's evil plot and Willow's relationships with her family, friends, and especially Tony. He's under Zack's control, and she knows she has to stay away from him, but how can she when he's the love of her life? I can't wait for what happens next, this is such an awesome series!
5 stars
This is the fourth book in the ELE Series, and once again, the authors do not disappoint. The war between Willow and her friends and Zack and his minions has reached epic proportions, and they'll stop at nothing to take each other down. Willow's fighting for her family, her friends, her love, and her life, as Zack wants to sell her blood and powers to the highest bidder, while also keeping some for himself. He has to be stopped, and fast!
"Surviving ELE" is a wonderful continuation of Willow's story, as we see further into Zack's evil plot and Willow's relationships with her family, friends, and especially Tony. He's under Zack's control, and she knows she has to stay away from him, but how can she when he's the love of her life? I can't wait for what happens next, this is such an awesome series!
5 stars
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Divergent in Books
Jul 10, 2018
This was a great novel. I really enjoyed the characters and I found that I could relate to many of them. For those of you who are worried that it's going to be "Hunger Games," it's not. It's the same genre but it is definitely different.
I am a little upset that it took me this long to read this novel. I read too many reviews stating that it was Hunger Games 2.0 but it isn't. I'm a fan of dystopian lit. This is definitely dyshtopian. It will have the same feel as Hunger Games but it is different.
I really liked this book. It was fast paced, well written for a young adult novel, and truly entertaining. I wish I had more time over the Christmas holiday to read more. This is easily a novel I could have finished within a day where I didn't have familial obligations.
If you're hesitant to read this novel, I suggest that you pick it up.
I am a little upset that it took me this long to read this novel. I read too many reviews stating that it was Hunger Games 2.0 but it isn't. I'm a fan of dystopian lit. This is definitely dyshtopian. It will have the same feel as Hunger Games but it is different.
I really liked this book. It was fast paced, well written for a young adult novel, and truly entertaining. I wish I had more time over the Christmas holiday to read more. This is easily a novel I could have finished within a day where I didn't have familial obligations.
If you're hesitant to read this novel, I suggest that you pick it up.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Life of Pi in Books
Jul 10, 2018
The "Life of Pi" was a slow but semi interesting read. I went into this book knowing that it was about a boy stuck on a raft with a tiger. That was definitely the interesting part of the book. I found myself wanting this book to just end, or get to the "good" part.
The main take away from the book is that you need something to believe in when you face an "impossible" situation. I found Pi's struggle with religion insightful and his practicing of three religions a little different.
This was definitely not my typical read. I am one of those readers who likes fast reads. I want to finish a book in two days because I can't put it down, not because I want the book to end.
All in all, it was an okay book. It kept me semi entertained but it wasn't the "life changing" book that I was told about.
The main take away from the book is that you need something to believe in when you face an "impossible" situation. I found Pi's struggle with religion insightful and his practicing of three religions a little different.
This was definitely not my typical read. I am one of those readers who likes fast reads. I want to finish a book in two days because I can't put it down, not because I want the book to end.
All in all, it was an okay book. It kept me semi entertained but it wasn't the "life changing" book that I was told about.
David (771 KP) rated Lust (Lust, Money & Murder) Book #1 in Books
Jul 4, 2018 (Updated Jul 6, 2018)
Excellent addition to the espionage thriller genre
You share the feelings of the main characters like you're their friend in the book. This is a fast paced book and never a dull moment. You can tell Mike Wells did his research when it came to the main premise of the book which is the secret service and counterfeiting of currency. Plenty of twists and turns like any good spy thriller which keep you guessing and glad it all wasn't wrapped up in one book.
It makes a change that the espionage genre has a woman in the lead who is strong willed but still has some weaknesses which makes her more believable as a character.
I recommend you read this book even if you don't read this genre, it flows well and doesn't blind you with too much tech jargon which can put some people off. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
It makes a change that the espionage genre has a woman in the lead who is strong willed but still has some weaknesses which makes her more believable as a character.
I recommend you read this book even if you don't read this genre, it flows well and doesn't blind you with too much tech jargon which can put some people off. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.