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All I Ever Wanted
All I Ever Wanted
Lucy Dillon | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The description of this book is quite accurate, but I would like to outline the different understanding of the book. My description of the book would be something like that: Caitlin, going through divorce from her controlling perfectionist husband. Their divorce really influenced their little daughter Nancy, who stopped talking after their separation. Eva is Caitlin’s sister in law, who, even after 2 years, still suffers from her husband’s death. The only company Eva has is her two pugs, Bumble and Bee. After visits to Eva’s house, Bumble becomes Nancy’s best friend, and helps her find her voice again.

It is a really nice story about two women in opposite situations. I really liked that, all the characters in this publication are really diverse personalities and they are really believable, like ordinary people. If you have children, you will absolutely understand how Caitlin is feeling. There is so much mother’s love in this book. You can really feel it when you go through the book. The problem is, as a person who is not very interested in kids, I found it too much for my liking. I really liked Eva’s character in this novel. She was interesting, and complete opposite of confused and clumsy Caitlin. However, there was so much moping about the same thing over and over again. I found it quite boring to read, because it just plods along, is very detailed and has only few turns in the story. I am great full though, that author gave voice to more than one character, which gave better feeling of the characters.

I liked that author discussed few really interesting themes in this book. She talked about how divorce influences grownups and well as children, the freedom feeling when your other half is not there to supervise you, as well as how it feels when you are in your forties, alone and know that it’s almost impossible to have a child of your own. It was very cute, how her love for dogs’ author shared in the book with the readers, by putting two cute pugs with very detailed descriptions of their personalities and emotions. The ending of the book rounded up everything nicely, but was really predictable. So to conclude, if you have children and would like some comfort reading about family, love and cute kids, then this book is definitely for you.
  
NC
Night Chill (Night Chill, #1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
(This review can also be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).


The cover and synopsis of this book sounded creepy, and I love creepy! I'm always after a great horror novel, and this was definitely didn't disappoint. In fact, it reminded me a lot of Richard Laymon's novels except a lot better (and Richard Laymon is one of my favorite horror authors).

How creepy is that cover!?! (Hint: the answer is very)! I'm not sure who the little girl is on the cover. I thought it may be Melissa (not going into details due to spoilers), but I could be wrong. Still, the cover definitely grabbed my attention.

I don't really know how the title pertains to the story, but it's definitely a creepy title nonetheless.

The world building was done very well which is what makes this story that much spookier. Gunhus does a fantastic job making the readers believe that something like this could actually happen. Not once did I doubt anything in the story line. I felt that all my questions were answered throughout the book except one question about Max although it's not relevant to the story.

The pacing reels you in from the very first sentence. I devoured this book, and it held my attention very much so throughout the whole book. Never once does it slow down or go too fast that I don't know what's going on.

The plot was super spooky! The idea that a stranger with supernatural powers is trying to kidnap your child, and no one believes what you say even though it's the truth is definitely frightening. While it's probably been done before, Gunhus takes the idea and nurtures it, giving it wings to grow into something horrorific. There were some good plot twists although I did predict one early on. The ending of the book leaves it open to become a series although you can read this book as a standalone. However, if there is another book, I definitely will be reading it!

I thought the characters were very well written. Jack came across as a very devoted dad. At first, I did doubt his sanity, and I did wonder if he was hallucinating, but he quickly quashed those ideas. I loved how Jack was willing to do whatever it took to save Sarah and keep his family together. I found Nate Huckley to be an awesome bad guy although simply referring to him as "bad guy" seems so wrong because he is so much more. Huckley is intelligent, witty, and knows exactly what he wants. I found him to be scary mostly due to how he could be anywhere he wanted no matter what. He could also make people do whatever he wanted them too. He's definitely one of my favorite baddies in a book. My favorite character, however, was Joseph Lonetree. I loved how hardcore he came across although he proved to be a big softie. I understood his need to do what he did. Lonetree didn't take any crap from anyone.

I enjoyed the dialogue and found that it flowed smoothly and freely. I mostly enjoyed reading about Jack though. There is some swear words as well as violence and gore so be warned if that's not your thing.

Overall, Night Chill is a creepy story that leaves you wondering what if this really did and has been happening. The plot is fantastic, the world building spooky, and the characters amazing!

I'd recommend this book to those aged 18+ who are fans of classic horror and for fans of writers such as Richard Laymon.

(I received this title in ebook format for free from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
  
Hounds of Love Soundtrack by Kate Bush
Hounds of Love Soundtrack by Kate Bush
1985 | Rock
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"The first half is just an astonishing rundown, it's almost like a greatest hits. This record, and Kate Bush in general, has a lot to do with me making music at all. It was her complete inability to do what everybody else was doing, she just was a law unto herself. I found that incredibly awe-inspiring, in most ways. I also loved her use of strings, in a sort of choppy choppy way, rather than a sentimental way. In pop music, you tend to have strings just colouring in the chords at the back or doing a syrupy high note, and I always thought they could do more than that, and she proved it in a kind of [mimics heavy staccato strings] kind of baroque style, which I have shamelessly pilfered basically. The second half she goes off on one, and some of it's a bit silly, but, you know, who cares? Even when it's silly it's great. Now I'm pretty sure I just took one listen to 'Running Up That Hill', which would've been the first single, and thought, ""I'm having that"". I would've bought it on cassette because that was the era, and I probably wore out the cassette until it warbled and I had to buy a new one!"

Source
  
Rejected Mate (Shifter World: Royal-Kagan #5)
Rejected Mate (Shifter World: Royal-Kagan #5)
Nancy Corrigan | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In book 1 of the Kagan Wolves series, we meet Nic and Riley. Nic is the alpha's son, primed to take over as Alpha when his father steps down. Riley is an honorary pack member as she is wholly human. She is also the Pack's Doctor, although she will treat any shifter that turns up.

I loved the twist in this book - that Nic the human loved and wanted Riley, but Nic the wolf saw her as weak because she couldn't give him pups! The frustration felt by Nic was tangible as you read through. Riley is a strong character and I honestly don't know if I could do what she did! I think I would have run at the first opportunity, but that's why the book isn't about me! lol

I enjoyed seeing Sean and Jenna again, and how they both helped Riley and Nic. This is what friends do for each other, even if you don't always agree with their decisions.

Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was a wonderful full-length read into the world of the Kagan Wolves. Definitely recommended.

* Verified Purchase on Amazon *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 9, 2016
  
Under the Boardwalk (The Landmarks Series #1)
Under the Boardwalk (The Landmarks Series #1)
Felice Stevens | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Under the Boardwalk (Landmarks #1) by Felice Stevens
Under the Boardwalk is the latest book by Felice Stevens, an author that I have long admired. It's starts with last summer, as our two main characters first lay eyes on each other and want more. The timing isn't right though, so a year goes by. Now we are at this summer.

Alexi is an American, with Russian ancestry. He works for his father at the local custard stand, and dreams of travelling the world. Cam is the busker that Alexi dreams about. He has travelled the world, and found that there was no place like home (sorry, couldn't resist!). These two finally connect, and BOOM!!! We're off.

I love Felice Stevens' way of writing. She wraps you up, and immerses you in the story. This is one of her 'sweeter' books, I would say, although there is some low-level angst in here. One thing I will always be grateful for, is the explanation given to Cam about what the difference is between ice-cream and custard. As someone who grew up in England, custard is a hot, sweet, liquid that goes on top of treacle tart, or jam roly-poly. Not in a cone! I was thankful when the explanation was given as I then understood what everyone was eating! ?

I don't think there were any editing or grammatical errors, but if there were, I missed them as I was so engrossed with the story. I love the epilogue, and love these two together. I am seriously hoping for more in this series, and also hope that we get to see a cameo from these two, just so I can find out if they're still okay.

Absolutely recommended by me, just be warned that you may lose time when you start reading this book!

* 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!
  
By the Light of Embers
By the Light of Embers
Shaylin Gandhi | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
By the Light of Embers by Shaylin Gandhi
By the Light of the Embers is a story that enveloped me in a world unknown. Taking me back to 1954 in Louisiana, I found a world where women were expected to be housewives, and people of colour were seen as second-class citizens.

This was an amazing story that gripped me from the very beginning, with descriptions in such perfect detail, you have no trouble seeing what the author saw. Although this book details some harsh realities, there are moments of gentleness, which made it all the more poignant. Once Lucia went to Louisiana, it became obvious that there was a connection between Sebastian and herself. At the same time, it was also obvious that Nicholas and Lucia wouldn't have the happy ending I was hoping for. Although I was sad at their ending, I also found it absolutely perfect, and am glad the author did it that way. It allows me to smile and imagine their HAE for myself.

Exceedingly well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted me, I thought this book was amazing. The characters change throughout the story, as their experiences change them, and yet each remain true to their core. A stunning book that I highly recommend.

* 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!
  
A Stolen Life: A Memoir
A Stolen Life: A Memoir
Jaycee Dugard | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.1 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
I don't remember the first time I read this book. I think it was some point after Jaycee Lee Dugard had been found, but I was probably in late middle school, early high school - though I could be entirely wrong. I remember reading it the first time and having to stop every once in a while because it was so much. What she went through was so grueling and heartbreaking and to read her words, unfiltered, with all of her raw emotions, it's hard. That doesn't even feel like a good enough word for it.

More than anything, this memoir gives you hope. It gives you strength. It pulls your heart out to be reminded that there are these people in this world - the kind that could do this to people, let alone an 11-year-old girl. But despite all that, Jaycee remains somewhat positive. She knows that she has work to do on herself, on her relationships with her family, with the world, with life, but she also knows that she's going to be okay. I love that she never thinks that the recovery process is done and while this book was written several years ago, I can't imagine that mindset has changed much.

I think this book is phenomenal. Her story is insane, but her triumph is what wins you over in the end. I'm eager to read her other book and see where she is now and how she's doing. I would 1000% recommend this book.
  
The Life She Wants
The Life She Wants
Mel Sherratt | 2021 | Crime, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am a fan of Mel Sherratt's work and always look forward to reading her books but, I have to say, never have I been so confused as I was with this one.

Now, whilst at first this might seem to be a negative, let me reassure you that if you stick with it, everything falls into place very nicely and the confusion was well worth it in the end.

Told from different perspectives over different timelines, this is a complex storyline which deals with various unsavoury but important and contemporary themes; coercive control, domestic abuse and loss. These are hard-hitting subjects but Mel deals with them with respect.

There are a number of characters and all have a part to play but I found I didn't really focus on them that much as I was more interested in the story and how it was going to play out. That's not to say they weren't great characters, far from it, it's just that the story was so engrossing that they felt secondary to me somehow.

Full of secrets, lies and manipulation, this is a book that makes you angry and sympathetic all at the same time. It's definitely one that kept me totally engrossed and I couldn't read fast enough.

With atmosphere, suspense and tension aplenty, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to lovers of psychological thrillers and I have to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
A Quiet Place (2018)
A Quiet Place (2018)
2018 | Drama, Horror, Thriller
Inventive ways used to not make a sound (0 more)
Not the full story (0 more)
Great idea
Contains spoilers, click to show
I found this film to be a new twist on the conventional creature, horror genre. I will say this first that I did enjoy the film and would watch it again.
Having kids myself I was intrigued to know how they were going to keep quiet throughout most of the film unless they or their parents met an untimely end, first kid was gone in the first 10 minutes, what a surprise! The scene at the dinner table where none of the kids moaned or whinged about what they were having would certainly not happen in my house.
I know it's a bit crude but how do you go toilet without making a sound? Surprisingly they didn't touch on this subject in the film.
I apologise if I missed it and this is why I will watch again, where did the creatures come from? Maybe this is explained in the book or a prequel movie is in the pipeline. If this was explained and I missed it please feel free to message me and let me know as I found this to be one of the disappointing bits of the film.
The film was a good length though, I didn't look at my phone once as it kept me interested and there was no long drawn out moments.
Most of the time the family was very harmonious, maybe the thought of impending death makes for a non-troublesome household (Wish I could try this with my family to avoid arguments, but it's kind of illegal)
I would recommend watching this film at least once, thanks for reading.
  
All About You (Love &amp; Hate, #1)
All About You (Love & Hate, #1)
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
Let me just say, I'm so freaking pi$$ed! First off, I gave the book a 2 star rating because I felt like the writing was bad. I trudged through the first 2-3 chapters because I've realized that, sometimes it takes a book a few chapters to "loosen up". Unfortunately for me, the storyline was too interesting to stop reading. When I first understood what was happening, I was instantly angry. I know entering college doesn't make a person automatically mature, but do people seriously still continue to bully at that part of their life? At first, I didn't care for India, because she bullied Oliver; I felt awful when I found out what Christian had done to her, but I still don't feel like that excused the way she treated Oliver. Anyway, I was glad she wanted to apologize and make amends, though it's easier to say you forgive someone than to actually forgive them when it comes to bullying. So, I was literally sick of watching India get tortured and made fun of -do these kids not have anything better to do with their lives?? I kept reading because I wanted Oliver to shove his foot up his rear when he found out what his brother did to her. Then they became friends. I was immediately, like, "No, no. India, don't do it. No!" Of course, a book character can't hear the reader screaming at them, so she didn't listen. By the end, after Oliver's final attempt to tear India down and break her spirit, I had to do one of two things: gently set down my tablet and bite my pillow or throw my tablet against the wall and scream bloody murder. I love my tablet too much to abuse it, so my pillow took the brunt of my anger. Heck, I'm still angry and it's been 6 days! Part of me doesn't want to spend the money on the next 2 or 3 books in this series - like I said, I didn't care for the writing. But, at the same time, I HAVE to know what's going to happen. I don't know about India, but Oliver could save her life and I still wouldn't forgive him.