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Debbiereadsbook (1650 KP) rated Worth The |Risk (Infinity #1) in Books
Mar 12, 2018
solid four star read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Tyler and Jax meet in the club that Tyler works in, Infinity. Their reaction to each is is instant and powerful. Then Tyler finds out just who Jax is, and he fights the attraction. And just when they get back on an even keel, something else pushes Tyler to question whether he is really worth the risk to Jax.
For the most part, I enjoyed this. There were a couple a lines, and phrases that kept popping up that kept it from getting the full five stars, though. Not listing them here, either cos they is wude, and some site are a little prudish in what you are allowed to say!
I loved that Jax goes all in, right from the start, making his feelings known, that Ty is really worth his time and effort, and he says those magic words early, with I don't usually like. HOWEVER, Jax makes it clear that while HE said them, Tyler can say them when he is ready, even if Jax knew how Tyler really felt at that point. Cos Jax can read Ty like the books he writes!
Ty takes some time, to word how he feels, though. He isn't sure when Jax will dump him, that's what he expects to happen. It takes time for Ty to really see that maybe, just maybe, Jax will stick around.
I did expect a couple of certain character to make trouble, but they don't. Someone else does that! Loved that Jax' family take on Tyler as a second son.
Apart from the repetitive phrases, it's very well written, from both guys plus another's point of view. These guys are at it like bunnies, and it's very explicit. Very much to my liking after several not so explicit books ?
A solid 4 star read.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Tyler and Jax meet in the club that Tyler works in, Infinity. Their reaction to each is is instant and powerful. Then Tyler finds out just who Jax is, and he fights the attraction. And just when they get back on an even keel, something else pushes Tyler to question whether he is really worth the risk to Jax.
For the most part, I enjoyed this. There were a couple a lines, and phrases that kept popping up that kept it from getting the full five stars, though. Not listing them here, either cos they is wude, and some site are a little prudish in what you are allowed to say!
I loved that Jax goes all in, right from the start, making his feelings known, that Ty is really worth his time and effort, and he says those magic words early, with I don't usually like. HOWEVER, Jax makes it clear that while HE said them, Tyler can say them when he is ready, even if Jax knew how Tyler really felt at that point. Cos Jax can read Ty like the books he writes!
Ty takes some time, to word how he feels, though. He isn't sure when Jax will dump him, that's what he expects to happen. It takes time for Ty to really see that maybe, just maybe, Jax will stick around.
I did expect a couple of certain character to make trouble, but they don't. Someone else does that! Loved that Jax' family take on Tyler as a second son.
Apart from the repetitive phrases, it's very well written, from both guys plus another's point of view. These guys are at it like bunnies, and it's very explicit. Very much to my liking after several not so explicit books ?
A solid 4 star read.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated My Name Is Venus Black in Books
May 29, 2018
Totally not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed My Name is Venus Black. I really liked most of the characters, I loved that this was set in the 80s as my childhood was as well, and I'm a big fan of books that show fractured lives can have hope to become whole again.
Venus Black did a bad thing and she's probably going to pay for it, for the rest of her life. The choices she made will interwine, spread, and eventually affect so many other people's lives - including a whole slew of complete strangers. People will talk about her for a long time and she will always have her decisions hanging over her.
I loved how the story unfolded, skipping and summarizing mundane spans of life, and POV from one character to another. I especially loved Leo's point of view, Venus' little brother who is a developmentally disabled child struggling since Venus, his most favorite person, did this bad thing. I enjoyed his descriptive feelings: "The cello makes a yellow sound" - and anger is red. The simplicity in which he views the world is sad, but also a bit refreshing. I thought the space and solar system references throughout were a fun addition to the story as well.
The story proves that being a parent is just as difficult as being a kid in this world, and there is kindness in lots of people that comes out in different ways, and family isn't always who shares your blood, but who shares your love. There is also evil in the world that sometimes isn't always as cut and dry as most believe.
I had some issues with some parts of the story.- they were a bit unbelieveable and I wanted more detail - but I tried to let them go and just enjoy the story and all it's twist and turns. Overall I'm really glad I took a chance and read it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Venus Black did a bad thing and she's probably going to pay for it, for the rest of her life. The choices she made will interwine, spread, and eventually affect so many other people's lives - including a whole slew of complete strangers. People will talk about her for a long time and she will always have her decisions hanging over her.
I loved how the story unfolded, skipping and summarizing mundane spans of life, and POV from one character to another. I especially loved Leo's point of view, Venus' little brother who is a developmentally disabled child struggling since Venus, his most favorite person, did this bad thing. I enjoyed his descriptive feelings: "The cello makes a yellow sound" - and anger is red. The simplicity in which he views the world is sad, but also a bit refreshing. I thought the space and solar system references throughout were a fun addition to the story as well.
The story proves that being a parent is just as difficult as being a kid in this world, and there is kindness in lots of people that comes out in different ways, and family isn't always who shares your blood, but who shares your love. There is also evil in the world that sometimes isn't always as cut and dry as most believe.
I had some issues with some parts of the story.- they were a bit unbelieveable and I wanted more detail - but I tried to let them go and just enjoy the story and all it's twist and turns. Overall I'm really glad I took a chance and read it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Starting with Goodbye: A Daughter's Memoir of Love after Loss in Books
May 29, 2018
An intimate portrayal of Lisa Romeos larger-than-life father, Starting With Goodbye is so raw and emotional it gave me all the feels. All of them. This narrative hits particularly close to home, realizing how hard it is to come to terms with aging parents, and our aging selves.
This is a hard book to rate. You watch Lisa go through these feelings, ups and downs, and roller-coasters of emotions, yet I see the privilege and the money and just can't connect, and in some instances - I can't feel for her. But this is her story - I can't fault her for having what I did not.
Having this intimate look inside of her grief feels almost like spying, like we don't belong here, this isn't our story to read. But it's all part of it. But loss is loss, and it's sad all around and it's so very interesting to see inside someones head at their most painful moments.
I marvel in how she processes the loss of her father. It's brave. It's commendable. The things she does, and admits - I don't know if I could. I feel like I learned a lot, yet I'll still be unprepared as the same moments in life come for myself.
I believe if every person wrote the memoir of a beloved parents passing - they'd all be so different. Different stories and heartfelt memories of the past and completely unalike ways of grieving and how one handles it. But they'd all be the same: raw, sad, and beautiful.
I read this because I was curious... who would write something so personal, and so private? But I didn't find myself all that sad reading this. I was sad FOR her, but mostly I admired Lisa (and her eloquent prose), I adored her "mobster" dad, Tony, and I smiled at her story - because she wrote an ode to her hero and was courageous in doing so. It was like the ultimate love story between a daughter and her father.
This is a hard book to rate. You watch Lisa go through these feelings, ups and downs, and roller-coasters of emotions, yet I see the privilege and the money and just can't connect, and in some instances - I can't feel for her. But this is her story - I can't fault her for having what I did not.
Having this intimate look inside of her grief feels almost like spying, like we don't belong here, this isn't our story to read. But it's all part of it. But loss is loss, and it's sad all around and it's so very interesting to see inside someones head at their most painful moments.
I marvel in how she processes the loss of her father. It's brave. It's commendable. The things she does, and admits - I don't know if I could. I feel like I learned a lot, yet I'll still be unprepared as the same moments in life come for myself.
I believe if every person wrote the memoir of a beloved parents passing - they'd all be so different. Different stories and heartfelt memories of the past and completely unalike ways of grieving and how one handles it. But they'd all be the same: raw, sad, and beautiful.
I read this because I was curious... who would write something so personal, and so private? But I didn't find myself all that sad reading this. I was sad FOR her, but mostly I admired Lisa (and her eloquent prose), I adored her "mobster" dad, Tony, and I smiled at her story - because she wrote an ode to her hero and was courageous in doing so. It was like the ultimate love story between a daughter and her father.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Dares, Lies & Gemini's in Books
Jun 1, 2018
This book was incredible
Tristana and Peter live as roommates in a boarding house in Virginia. When they first meet, there is an instant connection between the two. Tristana, though, is too involved in her work and Peter is still working out issues of his own after the death of his brother.
Seraphina is a club girl who likes going out and finding the bad boys. Men that are willing to cheat to have a piece of her. Nathan stand on the sideline and watches her, trying to figure out why she is doing this to herself. But he is always there to step in in case there is a problem.
Will these couples ever get their lives together in order to be much happier as partners instead of singles? Will Tristana be able to break out of her shell around Peter? Will Nathan ever reveal himself to Seraphina and tell her his true feelings?
Thank you to Kat Alexander for the opportunity to read and review this book. She is now on my list of authors whose books I'm going to get without reading the description.
I was hooked on this story from the start. The characters are intriguing and I could totally identify with Seraphina. I was very anxious to find out what was going to happen with these characters. Then about half way through the book BOOM!!! The atomic bomb was dropped on the whole story. Usually when reading book, you know a twist is going to come or you can guess what is going to happen next. I didn't see this coming at all!! From that point on, nothing in life mattered except finding out what was going to happen next.
I can't say much more without giving away spoilers, but if you like a romantic novel with a huge twist, pick up this book today.
Seraphina is a club girl who likes going out and finding the bad boys. Men that are willing to cheat to have a piece of her. Nathan stand on the sideline and watches her, trying to figure out why she is doing this to herself. But he is always there to step in in case there is a problem.
Will these couples ever get their lives together in order to be much happier as partners instead of singles? Will Tristana be able to break out of her shell around Peter? Will Nathan ever reveal himself to Seraphina and tell her his true feelings?
Thank you to Kat Alexander for the opportunity to read and review this book. She is now on my list of authors whose books I'm going to get without reading the description.
I was hooked on this story from the start. The characters are intriguing and I could totally identify with Seraphina. I was very anxious to find out what was going to happen with these characters. Then about half way through the book BOOM!!! The atomic bomb was dropped on the whole story. Usually when reading book, you know a twist is going to come or you can guess what is going to happen next. I didn't see this coming at all!! From that point on, nothing in life mattered except finding out what was going to happen next.
I can't say much more without giving away spoilers, but if you like a romantic novel with a huge twist, pick up this book today.
T.N. Nova (30 KP) rated Why I Trust You in Books
Jun 24, 2018 (Updated Jun 24, 2018)
Why I Trust You by Colette Davison is the third book in the Why I series. You can find our reviews for Why I Left You and Why I Need You by following the links. Each one can be read as a stand-alone and is loosely tied together by recurring characters.
I started reading the Why I series from the very beginning and have followed Colette throughout the series. I fell in love with her writing from the first page. Each book is an amazing work of art and her latest release - Why I Trust You - did not disappoint. In fact, while I love the first two books, this book goes above and beyond. It has to be my absolute favorite - and that says quite a bit.
Martin is a computer developer who is on a mission to find the best graphic artist for his latest game that he’s crating. An overachiever who turns everything he makes into gold has quite the high standards for the person he hires. Ryan is an artist who is in an abusive relationship but wants to get out of it. He wows Martin with his art designs for the game that’s being developed. Both men have trust issues from their past.
There is so much I can say about this book. It’s sweet, sexy, hot and loving. So many feelings that this story draws out of you! There are times when I actually found myself laughing out loud and other times when I wanted to beat the living daylights out of Ryan’s ex, Zane. The story grabs you by the arm, draws you right in, and refuses to let you go until the very last sentence.It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance with characters who are working toward bettering themselves and overcoming obstacles.
I’m a complete and total #TeamMartin and #TeamRyan fan! Thank you Colette! (less) [edit]
Mar 31, 2018 [edi
I started reading the Why I series from the very beginning and have followed Colette throughout the series. I fell in love with her writing from the first page. Each book is an amazing work of art and her latest release - Why I Trust You - did not disappoint. In fact, while I love the first two books, this book goes above and beyond. It has to be my absolute favorite - and that says quite a bit.
Martin is a computer developer who is on a mission to find the best graphic artist for his latest game that he’s crating. An overachiever who turns everything he makes into gold has quite the high standards for the person he hires. Ryan is an artist who is in an abusive relationship but wants to get out of it. He wows Martin with his art designs for the game that’s being developed. Both men have trust issues from their past.
There is so much I can say about this book. It’s sweet, sexy, hot and loving. So many feelings that this story draws out of you! There are times when I actually found myself laughing out loud and other times when I wanted to beat the living daylights out of Ryan’s ex, Zane. The story grabs you by the arm, draws you right in, and refuses to let you go until the very last sentence.It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance with characters who are working toward bettering themselves and overcoming obstacles.
I’m a complete and total #TeamMartin and #TeamRyan fan! Thank you Colette! (less) [edit]
Mar 31, 2018 [edi
Debbiereadsbook (1650 KP) rated Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1) in Books
Jun 30, 2018
3 good solid stars
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
First person, present tense is the reason why I very nearly didn't finish this one. Not my favourite way for a book to be written, and I make no apologies for having dumped books before upon finding out they are written this way.
But I didn't dump this one. I kept at it, and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this. I did not love it though.
Evelyn has secrets and has been hiding from the world, existing say to day. Getting held up in a bank, and meeting Adam Black made her start living. But those secrets are hard to share, and she doesn't know if Adam will share his secrets too.
Aside from the present tense thing, I wanted Adam to have a voice, I really did and he doesn't. And because he doesn't, Evelyn began to grate on my nerves. I've no particular idea WHY, she just did. That's what I'm left felling and ya'll know I'm all about sharing my feelings!
This is book one in the Uninhibited trilogy. This is, as far as I can see, also book one for this author. Do I want to read more of the trilogy?? I don't know yet. I'm waiting to find out if Adam gets a say. I'm not sure I can face two more long (400 odd pages) full only of Evelyn.
The book comes with a BDSM tag, but I saw no evidence of that. I've tagged it over 18, and darker/grittier, because of what Evelyn went through and is still dealing with. Some readers may find it difficult reading. I'm not saying here, because that is a HUGE spoiler, but feel free to message me if you wish to know.
BUT!!
For a first time author, something must have clicked because I got past the present tense thing and read it all. So well done for that!
3 solid GOOD stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
First person, present tense is the reason why I very nearly didn't finish this one. Not my favourite way for a book to be written, and I make no apologies for having dumped books before upon finding out they are written this way.
But I didn't dump this one. I kept at it, and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked this. I did not love it though.
Evelyn has secrets and has been hiding from the world, existing say to day. Getting held up in a bank, and meeting Adam Black made her start living. But those secrets are hard to share, and she doesn't know if Adam will share his secrets too.
Aside from the present tense thing, I wanted Adam to have a voice, I really did and he doesn't. And because he doesn't, Evelyn began to grate on my nerves. I've no particular idea WHY, she just did. That's what I'm left felling and ya'll know I'm all about sharing my feelings!
This is book one in the Uninhibited trilogy. This is, as far as I can see, also book one for this author. Do I want to read more of the trilogy?? I don't know yet. I'm waiting to find out if Adam gets a say. I'm not sure I can face two more long (400 odd pages) full only of Evelyn.
The book comes with a BDSM tag, but I saw no evidence of that. I've tagged it over 18, and darker/grittier, because of what Evelyn went through and is still dealing with. Some readers may find it difficult reading. I'm not saying here, because that is a HUGE spoiler, but feel free to message me if you wish to know.
BUT!!
For a first time author, something must have clicked because I got past the present tense thing and read it all. So well done for that!
3 solid GOOD stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Untamed (Thoughtless, #4) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Oh, Griffin... (smh). First off, I am a HUGE fan of the Thoughtless series. This is one of my all-time TOP favorite series. SC Stephens has a way of writing that brings you so close to the characters that you feel as if you know them personally. I was completely caught up emotionally in this series from day one and I still carry it with me. It's almost scary his much this series affected me... I was so overly sensitive to their thoughts and feelings, it was as if I was experiencing it firsthand. This most recent addition was no exception. On a personal note, this was a very tough book for me to read as the overall theme hit very close to home for me. Watching the lies and deceit flow so easily from Griffin was very hard to stomach. His snowball of bad decisions was painful to watch, for him, Anna and the girls and for the rest of the band and family. I love the D-Bags but always saw Griffin as that annoying friend that you just can't help but love and hate. I found him incredibly annoying at times and hearing it all from his POV was interesting as you saw that he did truly justify his actions.. in his own Griffin kinda way. As frustrating as it was at times, making me want to smack the $hit out of him, he was easier to understand. In the end, he rectified himself in a way that I never thought Id seem, nor did anyone else!? We all got to finally see out Hulk grown up. He's still there, just in controlled doses.. ;-) His relationship with Anna and the girls was beautiful to witness.. we really got to see a whole other side to him. This book tore me up, left me hanging at moment, scared to death and made me bawl my eyes out... Yet another masterpiece form SC Stephens.. surely not to be missed!
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Heartless in Books
Oct 6, 2018
Infuriating
I had such high hopes for this book, everything about it called to me. A re-take on an aspect of the crazy that is Alice in Wonderland that had a fantasy premise, I wanted to like, even love this book. My mind and heart are smashed into smithereens and I don't even feel that I can express my true feelings in this review or else I will spoil for others. There are no spoilers so please forgive any vague statements.
What I like about this book were the two lead characters Jest and Cath. Cath started as a disillusioned young woman, entitled in the true sense but longing to be ordinary and follow her love of baking. Cath evolved into a spirited but whiney woman but towards the end became unrecognisable and I can't even say there was a journey to the change in her. Cath become a bomb.
Jest was absolutely wonderful in every way. He was mysterious but loyal and he fell in love with Cath. I loved his character, his quirkiness, his tricks, his hat. Many of the side characters were enchanting: Cheshire, Raven and Hatter really stick out.
This book was difficult to read and slow in pace until 60% but I powered on. At 60% it got pretty exciting and the pace picked up. Then a bomb was dropped and my investment in this world and book fell apart. Words cannot express my heartache and I am disillusioned with how the author dealt with the events that occurred. The characters had intangible behaviour towards the end and the lack of story once the events occurred was truly disappointing. I could have coped with the events if they were supported by good writing and depth, they were not. I feel let down as a reader and I can't see myself returning to this author again.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
What I like about this book were the two lead characters Jest and Cath. Cath started as a disillusioned young woman, entitled in the true sense but longing to be ordinary and follow her love of baking. Cath evolved into a spirited but whiney woman but towards the end became unrecognisable and I can't even say there was a journey to the change in her. Cath become a bomb.
Jest was absolutely wonderful in every way. He was mysterious but loyal and he fell in love with Cath. I loved his character, his quirkiness, his tricks, his hat. Many of the side characters were enchanting: Cheshire, Raven and Hatter really stick out.
This book was difficult to read and slow in pace until 60% but I powered on. At 60% it got pretty exciting and the pace picked up. Then a bomb was dropped and my investment in this world and book fell apart. Words cannot express my heartache and I am disillusioned with how the author dealt with the events that occurred. The characters had intangible behaviour towards the end and the lack of story once the events occurred was truly disappointing. I could have coped with the events if they were supported by good writing and depth, they were not. I feel let down as a reader and I can't see myself returning to this author again.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Merissa (13749 KP) rated Everything Under The Sun in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Everything Under The Sun by Jessica Redmerski
Everything Under The Sun is a post-apocalyptic story that focuses on two characters - Atticus and Thais. We start off at home with Thais, her father, and sister. Unfortunately, this idyll doesn't last for long, and then we are thrown into what the world can really be like for survivors. Thais and Sosie are taken to Lexington, where they meet Atticus for the first time as he is acting Overseer.
First of all, this is a LONG book. Everything in the book is used to describe a situation, feelings, etc., which can be excused being as the author has to describe not only a new world, but has to show how the world has changed from how it used to be. I did feel a bit lost with the timeline though, as it felt like they were at the cabin for a lot longer than was supposed to be. They say they've only left Lexington a month or so ago, and yet it felt like they'd spent at least 3 months there. Oh well, my bad.
I will also say, a lot of characters die in this story, so please don't become too attached to them! Some of it is obviously built up, so you know something bad is going to happen.
This was an intriguing story, with a solid male character who is flawed, and an idealistic, mostly naive, female, who thankfully did become stronger as the story progressed. It has one helluva cliffhanger ending, and I can't wait to see where it will go next.
If you really want a story to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this one!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
First of all, this is a LONG book. Everything in the book is used to describe a situation, feelings, etc., which can be excused being as the author has to describe not only a new world, but has to show how the world has changed from how it used to be. I did feel a bit lost with the timeline though, as it felt like they were at the cabin for a lot longer than was supposed to be. They say they've only left Lexington a month or so ago, and yet it felt like they'd spent at least 3 months there. Oh well, my bad.
I will also say, a lot of characters die in this story, so please don't become too attached to them! Some of it is obviously built up, so you know something bad is going to happen.
This was an intriguing story, with a solid male character who is flawed, and an idealistic, mostly naive, female, who thankfully did become stronger as the story progressed. It has one helluva cliffhanger ending, and I can't wait to see where it will go next.
If you really want a story to sink your teeth into, then I can highly recommend this one!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Zombified in Books
Nov 5, 2018
This book was a very enjoyable read with an intriguing and promising premise for it's plot, but at times it just simply didn't deliver for me. That being said, I still felt compelled to find how the story ended and follow the characters through to the end, which is a strong point in it's favour.
The characters are a real mixed bunch, especially Henri and Josie. They capture your imagination and make you consider zombies in a completely different way, which was a positive for me as I usually shy away from anything to do with zombies. The other rag tags in the bunch are equally unusual, or perhaps unique is a better word, and they do capture your attention. They all have plenty of secrets, some of which could have been developed in more detail, but all of which give you something interesting about them.
In the main part, the plot is quite logical and develops well as the story progresses. It did stall slightly when it first started, and I don't feel like the pace was ever really capitalised on. It's clear LaCroix has tried hard to provide a good deal of development of characters, back stories and the plot in general, but at times, it didn't quite fit. The story had a rather strange and unexpected ending which was intriguing and works quite well as a cliff hanger.
In conclusion, I have to say I did find this book tough at times but it has something about it that redeems it. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I feel like with a little tweaking it could be a fantastic book, it's just not there yet, I will read the next in the series as I do want to know what happens to the characters, but I have mixed feelings about this book.
This book was reviewed as part of a blog tour (ARC provided for honest review) on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=515
The characters are a real mixed bunch, especially Henri and Josie. They capture your imagination and make you consider zombies in a completely different way, which was a positive for me as I usually shy away from anything to do with zombies. The other rag tags in the bunch are equally unusual, or perhaps unique is a better word, and they do capture your attention. They all have plenty of secrets, some of which could have been developed in more detail, but all of which give you something interesting about them.
In the main part, the plot is quite logical and develops well as the story progresses. It did stall slightly when it first started, and I don't feel like the pace was ever really capitalised on. It's clear LaCroix has tried hard to provide a good deal of development of characters, back stories and the plot in general, but at times, it didn't quite fit. The story had a rather strange and unexpected ending which was intriguing and works quite well as a cliff hanger.
In conclusion, I have to say I did find this book tough at times but it has something about it that redeems it. I can't quite pinpoint it, but I feel like with a little tweaking it could be a fantastic book, it's just not there yet, I will read the next in the series as I do want to know what happens to the characters, but I have mixed feelings about this book.
This book was reviewed as part of a blog tour (ARC provided for honest review) on Lily Loves Indie - http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=515