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Alicia S (193 KP) rated Game Maker (Game, #2) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
OMG this book!? BEAUTIFUL love story... Read it in one sitting!? Danika (aka Dani) is the baby of the family, the only one still single and the one that oldest brother, Zander, is most protective of. It surely can't be good that her childhood crush happens to be Zander's best friend Zach. After obsessing over Zach since she was fourteen, she finally admits her feelings to Zach and they find themselves hiding.. Something that could be the one thing that tears them all apart. Surrounded by good friends and family, you can't help but fall I love with every one of the characters in this book... Abi, Dani's best friend and roommate KILLS me... Zach and Dani are adorable together and their constant banter and comments had me laughing my a$$ off. I bawled my eyes out, my heart breaking for them as they struggled through it all and I was a mess of happy tears by the end. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended book and can't wait for the next in the series!
Charlotte (0 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones in Books
Nov 2, 2018
Sets up the rest of the series (2 more)
The brother-sister plot line (spoilers as for why in review)
The fantasy world Clare creates
Contains spoilers, click to show
I love this book (currently reading book 5 of the series) because of the world that Clare relates. Whilst it contains the fantasy ideas expressed in different novels; it brings them all together in a unique and interesting way. Controversially, I enjoy the brother-sister plot line the novel introduces to the budding romance of Clary and Jace; it means that we are not reading the same cliche teen romance. People think it is weird but SPOILER ALERT they are not actually brother and sister but allows character progression and other storylines to happen. This allows the romance to occur naturally and when we can see that the feelings are genuine and true. Overall, Clare has produced a great novel to begin her series and leaves reader wanting to know more and delve deeper into the Shadowhunter world.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Read Me Like a Book in Books
Nov 9, 2018
⚢⚢⚢⚢ <b>4 'Be True To You' Stars</b> ❤
This was such a beautiful book, inside and out (just look at this gorgeous cover art) I could of done with having this book years ago!
Here we have our wonderful MC Ashleigh who is on a journey of self-discovery in the world of love. When things start to fall flat with her current boyfriend she turns to her teacher Miss Murray for help and support...little did Ashleigh know that friendship would turn into love.
A wonderful 'coming-out' story split into 3 sections following Ashleigh's bond with her teacher, the warm fuzzy feelings to ice cold heartbreak, this book will put you through the wringer...but in a good way!
I liked all of the characters and I found that it some ways I could relate to the story. The only downside for me was everyone 'knew' Ash was gay before she knew herself. This didn't sit too well with me...stereotyping maybe? Perhaps.
Overall, a great read!
This was such a beautiful book, inside and out (just look at this gorgeous cover art) I could of done with having this book years ago!
Here we have our wonderful MC Ashleigh who is on a journey of self-discovery in the world of love. When things start to fall flat with her current boyfriend she turns to her teacher Miss Murray for help and support...little did Ashleigh know that friendship would turn into love.
A wonderful 'coming-out' story split into 3 sections following Ashleigh's bond with her teacher, the warm fuzzy feelings to ice cold heartbreak, this book will put you through the wringer...but in a good way!
I liked all of the characters and I found that it some ways I could relate to the story. The only downside for me was everyone 'knew' Ash was gay before she knew herself. This didn't sit too well with me...stereotyping maybe? Perhaps.
Overall, a great read!
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue in Books
Dec 6, 2018
Amusing historical romance
This was a fun read in lots of ways. I would say the book had a storyline of a ‘farce’ in the old meaning of the word. It very much reminded me of a black and white comedy without sound, some laurel and hardy-ness.
The characters in this historical are very much out of the box. Henry being the ultimate in immaturity but hey, he was only 18 years old. This man-boy-lad-about-town was his own worst enemy getting into constant scrapes that usually included inappropriateness and less clothes than one would expect. His forever friend Percy kind of stole the show for me, I adored him and his character, his difficulties made me feel all the feelings.
As said already, the story was farcical but in a way that didn’t irritate. I felt the need to suspend reality and that was fine by me. I enjoyed the writing, the wit and the dialogue. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book after so many friends have enjoyed it.
The characters in this historical are very much out of the box. Henry being the ultimate in immaturity but hey, he was only 18 years old. This man-boy-lad-about-town was his own worst enemy getting into constant scrapes that usually included inappropriateness and less clothes than one would expect. His forever friend Percy kind of stole the show for me, I adored him and his character, his difficulties made me feel all the feelings.
As said already, the story was farcical but in a way that didn’t irritate. I felt the need to suspend reality and that was fine by me. I enjoyed the writing, the wit and the dialogue. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book after so many friends have enjoyed it.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Obsidio: Illuminae Files Book 3 in Books
Dec 13, 2018 (Updated Dec 13, 2018)
Epic endings
“LATIN IS THE LANGUAGE OF MANY OF HUMANITY’S GREATEST TALES.
TALES THAT HAVE ENDURED” ~ AIDAN
This is not going to be an epic review, I’m emotionally drained and I haven’t got it in me, but know this, I have epic feelings about this book, this series. It is a stand out experience in all my reading over the last few years, made all the better by buddy reading the last two with Hollis.
Obsidio introduces two new characters in Asha and Rhys but even better than this newness is that they are brought alongside Kady, Ezra, Nik, Hanna and AIDAN. The bringing together of their minds, their snark, their humour and their sharp emotions was a ride of hope and despair.
I laughed but boy did I leak from the eye area. Why did I cry? Often over a metal chip (if you’ve read this book you’ll understand). I’m all done in, I’m completely satisfied and I will return to this series to read and devour it again.
TALES THAT HAVE ENDURED” ~ AIDAN
This is not going to be an epic review, I’m emotionally drained and I haven’t got it in me, but know this, I have epic feelings about this book, this series. It is a stand out experience in all my reading over the last few years, made all the better by buddy reading the last two with Hollis.
Obsidio introduces two new characters in Asha and Rhys but even better than this newness is that they are brought alongside Kady, Ezra, Nik, Hanna and AIDAN. The bringing together of their minds, their snark, their humour and their sharp emotions was a ride of hope and despair.
I laughed but boy did I leak from the eye area. Why did I cry? Often over a metal chip (if you’ve read this book you’ll understand). I’m all done in, I’m completely satisfied and I will return to this series to read and devour it again.
themaxdog (14 KP) rated Lady Renegade in Books
Jul 17, 2019
Lady Renegade is a story filled with action, adventure, and romance. I liked that this book fleshed out the world and the cast of characters more than the first, helping me to build a better understanding of the world that these characters inhabit and their relationships with one another. It was also refreshing that the plot focused on more than just love and lust!
I also liked the author's decision to include a blind main character - something that I have never encountered before in a romance novel. Wren is a strong, feisty, independent lady, and it was nice that her blossoming feelings for Storm were a bonus rather than becoming the sole reason for her existence.
This book would probably have been rated higher if it wasn't for a particular event that happened at the end. Without spoiling the book, something happened which made me question a lot of what had already happened and really didn't sit very well with me. I guess you'll have to read the book to see for yourself!
I also liked the author's decision to include a blind main character - something that I have never encountered before in a romance novel. Wren is a strong, feisty, independent lady, and it was nice that her blossoming feelings for Storm were a bonus rather than becoming the sole reason for her existence.
This book would probably have been rated higher if it wasn't for a particular event that happened at the end. Without spoiling the book, something happened which made me question a lot of what had already happened and really didn't sit very well with me. I guess you'll have to read the book to see for yourself!
I have mixed feelings about Aidan, the last book in the collection. Starting with the positives, I loved the history and rich cultural significance behind the concept, with the Stone of Destiny featuring so prominently. All throughout this collection, I have enjoyed the fact that the writing is so heavily informed by the author’s historical research, and even though the characters and plots are fictitious, it’s nice that their world is grounded in reality and historical events that (to a degree) actually did take place.
On the flipside, I found the characters in this book a little lacklustre. Aidan and Effie are the main characters, yet they lacked any real depth and emotion which was a real shame. Similarly, the whole concept of Effie being Aidan’s ‘Dream Angel’ was overwhelmingly cliché and sickeningly sweet. I’m all for romance, but this just took it a step too far!
All in all, the positives and negatives add up to create an enjoyable, light-hearted, historical read – in fact, providing the perfect way to sum up this collection.
On the flipside, I found the characters in this book a little lacklustre. Aidan and Effie are the main characters, yet they lacked any real depth and emotion which was a real shame. Similarly, the whole concept of Effie being Aidan’s ‘Dream Angel’ was overwhelmingly cliché and sickeningly sweet. I’m all for romance, but this just took it a step too far!
All in all, the positives and negatives add up to create an enjoyable, light-hearted, historical read – in fact, providing the perfect way to sum up this collection.
Merissa (13197 KP) rated Her Secret Inheritance (Isobel Key #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
So life has gone full circle for Lou and she is returning to the place where she found herself 5 years ago. She has grown up and achieved much during those years but she still wonders what will happen if she happens to run into Brian. Let me tell you, sparks fly! Brian is not the same, easy going laddie that he used to be and yes, some of that is Lou's fault - if you can call it that as she just wasn't ready to settle down. I think I actually like Brian a bit more in this book because he's grown into such a strong character. He still has feelings and compassion but now he won't let anyone, even Lou, tell him what he's got to do.
This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)
This story is compact but still full of action. It is very well written and comes to a satisfying conclusion. The characters have more depth which makes them more engaging than ever. A perfect sequel to The Secret of Isobel Key. The only problem I have is that I still want more! ;)
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Bitter Almonds in Books
Jul 2, 2019
Great wee book
I only wanted to read half of this book as the second half is recipes. After the first thirteen pages I put it down and sighed. I like to give a book at least a chapter so I persisted and I am glad I did. The book is written by Simeti about the life of Maria, a Sicilian woman who owns a bakery. The first chapter is all about the art of baking (old school) and I was worried that the whole novel would read along the same lines - after all it is memoir that I want to read. Things turn around after chapter one when Maria discusses her childhood in a nunnery, her feelings of neglect, her hunger but also of what she learned and how she was able to apply this to her later in life career. I found Maria's attitude to religion and family refreshing and enjoyed the conversational tone in which she delivers her own recollections.
This is a book worth persisting with.
This is a book worth persisting with.
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Boy 2 Girl in Books
Jul 2, 2019
Full marks for making me laugh out loud
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book deserved a five star rating because it made me laugh out loud so often. It was a brilliant book and I loved Blacker's use of narrative voice. It is a multiple first person narrative which allows the reader a close and personal account of the characters feelings and emotions, this is particular interesting as there is a mixture of both adult and child characters. The book gives the reader a wonderful insight into gender and demonstrates the way in which gender is socially constructed. It also shows how children can be attracted to other children regardless of gender. As a whole, children are influenced by other children, by characteristics, by confidence and by personality. Children are often put into boxes and treated differently because of gender, this book breaks the rules and it genius. I would highly recommend this book to both adults and children as it may just demonstrate how alike we all are and how society is often too eager to put us into groups.