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Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Last House Guest in Books
Jul 23, 2019
A stand-alone, slow-burn thriller by author of All the Missing Girls
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I discovered Megan Miranda a few months after her 2016 novel, All the Missing Girls, was published. Her latest, The Last House Guest, is the 3rd novel I read by her.
This slow-burn thriller is a story of a small, summer vacation town with a definite line dividing the haves and have nots with one exception, Avery Greer. Sadie Loman who only has to say who her family is and doors are opened and police look the other way befriends Avery. For a decade, they are inseparable each summer - until Sadie is found dead.
While it took a long time for me to get into the book, I am glad I kept reading. Told from Avery's point of view, using flashbacks, we are shown the summer of and the summer following Sadie's death.
Miranda is known for creating a small town with a lot of secrets. The Last House Guest is no exception. The characters are not what they first seem to be. She peppers her story with small details that can help you figure out secrets and the big reveal right before the characters.
According to Goodreads, we can expect to see more from Megan Miranda. I cannot wait!
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/22/19.
I discovered Megan Miranda a few months after her 2016 novel, All the Missing Girls, was published. Her latest, The Last House Guest, is the 3rd novel I read by her.
This slow-burn thriller is a story of a small, summer vacation town with a definite line dividing the haves and have nots with one exception, Avery Greer. Sadie Loman who only has to say who her family is and doors are opened and police look the other way befriends Avery. For a decade, they are inseparable each summer - until Sadie is found dead.
While it took a long time for me to get into the book, I am glad I kept reading. Told from Avery's point of view, using flashbacks, we are shown the summer of and the summer following Sadie's death.
Miranda is known for creating a small town with a lot of secrets. The Last House Guest is no exception. The characters are not what they first seem to be. She peppers her story with small details that can help you figure out secrets and the big reveal right before the characters.
According to Goodreads, we can expect to see more from Megan Miranda. I cannot wait!
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/22/19.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Unfollow Me in Books
Feb 6, 2020 (Updated Feb 6, 2020)
Another tale to warn of the dangers of social media - this time focused on a YouTube vlogger who suddenly deletes all her social media accounts - I mean shock horror what could be more suspicious!?!.
This book really wasn’t for me, I found all the characters irritating and unrelatable. We had Yvonne how spent most of her book uterus gazing which bores me to tears. As someone who doesn’t want kids, I sure do know a lot about fertility treatments and ovulation monitoring as this seems to be a recurring obsession in books at the moment and it’s just not interesting to me. Knew exactly where her storyline was going - sigh.
Then we have single mum Lily and get to hear the “woe is me being a single mum is so hard” bit, which I’m sure it is, but again not interested in the recurring theme. Yvonne and Lily both love to watch vblogger Violet on YouTube who is a mummy blogger and they flip out when she seems to disappear removing all her social media accounts. So that’s the mystery we move towards figuring out but I just don’t really care and I still don’t care once it’s all been underwhelmingly explained by the end.
I’m sure there are plenty who are as interested in these themes as I wasn’t - this book is for you - not me.
Many thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC in which I gave an honest review in return.
This book really wasn’t for me, I found all the characters irritating and unrelatable. We had Yvonne how spent most of her book uterus gazing which bores me to tears. As someone who doesn’t want kids, I sure do know a lot about fertility treatments and ovulation monitoring as this seems to be a recurring obsession in books at the moment and it’s just not interesting to me. Knew exactly where her storyline was going - sigh.
Then we have single mum Lily and get to hear the “woe is me being a single mum is so hard” bit, which I’m sure it is, but again not interested in the recurring theme. Yvonne and Lily both love to watch vblogger Violet on YouTube who is a mummy blogger and they flip out when she seems to disappear removing all her social media accounts. So that’s the mystery we move towards figuring out but I just don’t really care and I still don’t care once it’s all been underwhelmingly explained by the end.
I’m sure there are plenty who are as interested in these themes as I wasn’t - this book is for you - not me.
Many thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the ARC in which I gave an honest review in return.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Death Be Raven (Terra Vane #3) in Books
Apr 26, 2021
55 of 250
Kindle
Death be Raven ( Terra Vane book 3)
By Katie Carys
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Previously published under the author name of Katie Epstein...
My name is Terra, and I’m a Psychic. I have visions, and I need them now more than ever. Of the twelve that escaped from Portiside Prison, one is back behind bars but the rest are still out there, desperate and all the more dangerous for it.
I need to focus, but things between me and my boss are spiralling dangerously out of control, and I’m starting to see my partner in ways I’ve never seen him before—ways I’ve never even considered. I need a moment of clarity, but a body’s been found; our only lead being a single feather, black as night. Clarity can wait.
There’s no rest for the wicked.
Can’t tell you how much I love this series and writer! I love Terra she is a main character that is so well balanced I took an instant like to her. Cole is a bit of a dick in this one I’m slowly starting to switch loyalty and rooting for Kaleb to win her heart instead. Loved this storyline and actually felt pain for Raven such a sad existence. Really good book can’t wait to see what havoc is caused on Earth side!
Kindle
Death be Raven ( Terra Vane book 3)
By Katie Carys
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Previously published under the author name of Katie Epstein...
My name is Terra, and I’m a Psychic. I have visions, and I need them now more than ever. Of the twelve that escaped from Portiside Prison, one is back behind bars but the rest are still out there, desperate and all the more dangerous for it.
I need to focus, but things between me and my boss are spiralling dangerously out of control, and I’m starting to see my partner in ways I’ve never seen him before—ways I’ve never even considered. I need a moment of clarity, but a body’s been found; our only lead being a single feather, black as night. Clarity can wait.
There’s no rest for the wicked.
Can’t tell you how much I love this series and writer! I love Terra she is a main character that is so well balanced I took an instant like to her. Cole is a bit of a dick in this one I’m slowly starting to switch loyalty and rooting for Kaleb to win her heart instead. Loved this storyline and actually felt pain for Raven such a sad existence. Really good book can’t wait to see what havoc is caused on Earth side!
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Maze Runner (2014) in Movies
Sep 21, 2020
There's absolutely no excuse to not have utilized the actual maze more (we get like three action scenes in it?) but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a ball with this otherwise thoroughly fun and often thrilling popcorn entertainment. Dylan O'Brien is tremendous in it, even when it wears the dystopian YA format a little too prominently. For a while I couldn't tell if the simplicity helped or hurt this in the end - I mean on the one hand this has precious nothing to say about the implications of its brutal story/world, but then again on the other it 110% forgoes the usual heavy-handed yet jejune moralizing that normally sugar-coat these films. I'm sure you could have found a decent medium between the two but Wes Ball's direction is sturdy, and I kind of like the idea of all these random 18/20-somethings nonchalantly trapped in this ludicrous scenario who just see this giant, mechanical deathtrap maze as a way of life lol. So I had more than enough fun with it. Try to picture a 2014 blockbuster "Lord of the Flies" without the obvious symbolism meets a market-tested 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦 where a bunch of extras get PG-13-ed to death by huge mechanical alien spiders. Plus no one even takes their shirt off I mean that's *gotta* be a first for one of these.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2177 KP) rated Murder Most Sweet in Books
Sep 11, 2020
Sweet and Light, but Could be Stronger
After surviving breast cancer five years ago, Teddie St. John starting writing culinary cozies, combining her love and baking and mysteries. She’s moderately successful, and looking forward to meeting the highly successful Tavish Bentley when he comes to her small Wisconsin town for a book signing. However, the event ends early when Teddie finds Tavish’s fiancée dead in the ally next to the bookstore. The murder weapon was one of Teddie’s scarfs. Teddie needs to clear her name, but can she do it?
Since I love both culinary and booked themed cozies, I was looking forward to digging into this debut. Unfortunately, I found the mystery to be weak. It started well, but it wasn’t strong enough overall. On the other hand, Teddie does lead a cast of fun characters that I enjoyed meeting. I did find Teddie’s mother a bit much, but hopefully that relationship will grow as the series goes on. The suspects are just as strong and memorable as the main characters. As a man, I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the talk about Teddie’s breast cancer, but I am sure most people who pick up the book will be fine with that. If the book leaves you craving some Wisconsin sweets, you’ll be thrilled to find the six recipes at the back of the book. Hopefully, the mysteries will grow as the series progresses.
Since I love both culinary and booked themed cozies, I was looking forward to digging into this debut. Unfortunately, I found the mystery to be weak. It started well, but it wasn’t strong enough overall. On the other hand, Teddie does lead a cast of fun characters that I enjoyed meeting. I did find Teddie’s mother a bit much, but hopefully that relationship will grow as the series goes on. The suspects are just as strong and memorable as the main characters. As a man, I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the talk about Teddie’s breast cancer, but I am sure most people who pick up the book will be fine with that. If the book leaves you craving some Wisconsin sweets, you’ll be thrilled to find the six recipes at the back of the book. Hopefully, the mysteries will grow as the series progresses.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2177 KP) rated Quicksand in Books
Jan 13, 2021
Get Sucked into Quicksand
It’s been five months since we last checked in with Jaya. In that time, she hasn’t heard anything from Lane Peters. She’s not sure if she should be worried or hurt by his silence. That changes when she gets a plane ticket to Paris along with a note from Lane saying he’s found something connected to the East India Company that he thinks she’d be interested in. Intrigued, she arranges for some time off work and heads over to France. Only, when she arrives, nothing is as she thought it would be. What has Jaya gotten involved in now?
I regret that it has taken me so long to return to Jaya’s world, but I’m glad I finally made the time. This series is a cross between mystery and adventure, and I love watching the plot unfold. It kept me off balance in the best way, and I was glued to the page from beginning to end. Jaya and Lane are the only returning characters who get much page time, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. The book is filled with colorful new characters that I absolutely loved. As always, we get a little bit of India’s history along with the story, and I appreciate that aspect of the series. If you are looking for a page turning good time, this is the book to pick up.
I regret that it has taken me so long to return to Jaya’s world, but I’m glad I finally made the time. This series is a cross between mystery and adventure, and I love watching the plot unfold. It kept me off balance in the best way, and I was glued to the page from beginning to end. Jaya and Lane are the only returning characters who get much page time, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. The book is filled with colorful new characters that I absolutely loved. As always, we get a little bit of India’s history along with the story, and I appreciate that aspect of the series. If you are looking for a page turning good time, this is the book to pick up.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen in Books
Nov 10, 2021
186 of 250
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.
Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.
She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.
This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?
I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
Book
Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen ( Six Tudor Queens book 3)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
THE WOMAN HAUNTED BY THE FATE OF HER PREDECESSOR.
Eleven days after the death of Anne Boleyn, Jane is dressing for her wedding to the King.
She has witnessed at first hand how courtly play can quickly turn to danger and knows she must bear a son . . . or face ruin.
This new Queen must therefore step out from the shadows cast by Katherine and Anne. In doing so, can she expose a gentler side to the brutal King?
I went into this not knowing very little of Jane Seymour and I found the book enchanting. She was a pure soul and in Alisons words she was portrayed so well. You felt the love she had for Katherine and the love she had for Henry and of course the shared dislike for Anne! I actually cried reading the last two chapters it was a very unjust end for a woman who had just become a mother to a son that was craved so much! I absolutely love this period and I find Alisons books just a brilliant outlook on the events. After i read Anne Boleyn I was just angry with the ending of this I’m saddened. Highly recommend such a beautiful tale of a short lived queen.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hidden Hope ( Hope book 1) in Books
Dec 7, 2022
219 of 230
Kindle
Hidden Hope ( Hope book 1)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It all started with a naked man in an alley….
Oh did that get your attention?
Good, now listen up. For years I’ve been fighting to be on my own and out from under my father’s control. I thought I’d finally managed it after I got my dream job in a London emergency room. Things were going great. I was making good money and even had a place of my own. I should have known the good times wouldn’t last. I apparently was engaged to a man my father picked out and soon found myself kidnapped, tortured, and forced into becoming someone else.
My whole life I’ve been lied to and something was hidden inside me... and now it’s set free.
It was good. Easy to follow exactly what you come to expect from this type of book and subject. I liked her writing style. My only issues if without being to harsh and it’s not necessarily just this book, why oh why when it’s a newly turned female wolf alpha or not to they turn her in to a raging nympho who has to mate every male in site? It gets a bit tedious and I’m not taking anything away from this author as I actually liked the book but this is becoming a bugbear of mine.
Kindle
Hidden Hope ( Hope book 1)
By Elizabeth Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It all started with a naked man in an alley….
Oh did that get your attention?
Good, now listen up. For years I’ve been fighting to be on my own and out from under my father’s control. I thought I’d finally managed it after I got my dream job in a London emergency room. Things were going great. I was making good money and even had a place of my own. I should have known the good times wouldn’t last. I apparently was engaged to a man my father picked out and soon found myself kidnapped, tortured, and forced into becoming someone else.
My whole life I’ve been lied to and something was hidden inside me... and now it’s set free.
It was good. Easy to follow exactly what you come to expect from this type of book and subject. I liked her writing style. My only issues if without being to harsh and it’s not necessarily just this book, why oh why when it’s a newly turned female wolf alpha or not to they turn her in to a raging nympho who has to mate every male in site? It gets a bit tedious and I’m not taking anything away from this author as I actually liked the book but this is becoming a bugbear of mine.
Debbiereadsbook (1176 KP) rated Alpha's Fingerling Surprize (The Weird & Wacky World of Shifters #2) in Books
Nov 12, 2022
More emotional than book one but no less a great read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the series and while not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend you read book one first. It sets the scene for Olowin and Russ. Its also a lot of fun!
Russ rejected Olowin and regretted it almost instantly. Finally getting to spend some time together goes a long way, and the pair begins their new life together. Things, however, were never gonna run smoothly!
Book one was a lot of fun to read. I found this one a little fun but more emotional. Russ and Olowin are opposites and it shows in every way but they are suited to each other, once they both commit to the other.
There is a marked difference in Russ and Olowin's physical relationship to that of Frenchie and Tala and I will never look at a sprouting potato in the same way again!!
And just what else, and more importantly WHY, have the potato Elders kept from their people??
I have no idea where this series is going, and I still want to know why beans are dull, are we gonna get a broccoli character and when do we get the next book? But I will read them, all of them!
More emotional than book one but no less a great 4 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the series and while not strictly necessary, I strongly recommend you read book one first. It sets the scene for Olowin and Russ. Its also a lot of fun!
Russ rejected Olowin and regretted it almost instantly. Finally getting to spend some time together goes a long way, and the pair begins their new life together. Things, however, were never gonna run smoothly!
Book one was a lot of fun to read. I found this one a little fun but more emotional. Russ and Olowin are opposites and it shows in every way but they are suited to each other, once they both commit to the other.
There is a marked difference in Russ and Olowin's physical relationship to that of Frenchie and Tala and I will never look at a sprouting potato in the same way again!!
And just what else, and more importantly WHY, have the potato Elders kept from their people??
I have no idea where this series is going, and I still want to know why beans are dull, are we gonna get a broccoli character and when do we get the next book? But I will read them, all of them!
More emotional than book one but no less a great 4 star read!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (11972 KP) rated A Bright Celestial Sea by Chani Lynn Feener in Books
Jun 27, 2022
A BRIGHT CELESTIAL SEA is a standalone that could easily be the first in a series.
Pryor and Castor, plus others in their crew, are sent to a World Ship to find a missing royal. It's not that easy though, and things become complicated when other things are found to be missing too. Throw in an Emperor-in-waiting and you've got one helluva story.
Half of the mystery is easy to see - it doesn't hide at all, except from Wystan and the others. But still, as the reader, it is all there for you as we are in Pryor's mind for the most part. The other part though - was brilliantly set up, with only a few clues as I neared the end. I won't say anything else but I loved it!
The world-building is second to none. The worlds and ships, plus the different hierarchies, are simple and clean to see. I didn't feel like the story lagged in any places; it definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.
This author is new-to-me but I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future publications - especially if this does become a series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Pryor and Castor, plus others in their crew, are sent to a World Ship to find a missing royal. It's not that easy though, and things become complicated when other things are found to be missing too. Throw in an Emperor-in-waiting and you've got one helluva story.
Half of the mystery is easy to see - it doesn't hide at all, except from Wystan and the others. But still, as the reader, it is all there for you as we are in Pryor's mind for the most part. The other part though - was brilliantly set up, with only a few clues as I neared the end. I won't say anything else but I loved it!
The world-building is second to none. The worlds and ships, plus the different hierarchies, are simple and clean to see. I didn't feel like the story lagged in any places; it definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.
This author is new-to-me but I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for future publications - especially if this does become a series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!