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Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.

This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.

I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.

And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?

It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
  
VFW (2019)
VFW (2019)
2019 | Action, Horror
8
6.4 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
VFW feels like Hobo With a Shotgun mashed together with From Dusk Till Dawn, with a sprinkling of Mandy for good measure, all whilst accompanied by an atmospheric synthwave score. What's not to love?

Truthfully, it brings nothing new to the table. What we see in VFW has been done before, and Joe Begos just wallows in that fact. It's a good time.
It has a distinctive grindhouse feel to it throughout, it has a semi Terminator style 80s feel to it throughout, but still manages to carve out its own identity.

The cast are great - Stephen Lang, William Sadler, Fred Williamson, Martin , David Patrick Kelly - all actors that I thoroughly enjoy, here playing war veterans fighting back against a gang of leather clad drug addicts laying siege to their bar. It's a simple premise, mixed with a 90 minute runtime, ensuring that VFW packs a hyper violent punch.
When I say violent, I mean violent. It's gory as all hell and doesn't shy away from what it shows. It doesn't feel too over the top as the film is so fast paced, you hardly have time to process what just happened before something else ridiculous happens.

VFW is certainly not for everyone, but I found it to be an over the top and stylish horror gem. Check it out!
  
The Unknown Sun (Destiny #1)
The Unknown Sun (Destiny #1)
Cheryl S. Mackey | 2014 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book starts off with a contemporary feel - Moira is a teenage girl trying to get through High School after having two near-death experiences. Everyone else who was with her at the time died, but for some reason, she survived. All that changes one night when someone breaks into her home and attacks her. Thinking that third time lucky for death to come and collect her, instead, she is saved by two winged people, twins who seem to know about her.

This is where the Fantasy part of the novel kicks in as you have good vs. evil, betrayal, the old Gods and new powers and abilities.

There are crossovers between this book and The Immortals which made it interesting. However, I personally found it a tad distracting as my mind would flit back to the other book when a reference was made, but that's just me.

This was well-written and enjoyable. The 'fun' hasn't ended here though, for all that Moira has some of her answers. There is more to come from her, Bel, and Airi and I, for one, am looking forward to reading more about them.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 11, 2015
  
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Merissa (11961 KP) rated Troublemaker (Songbird #6) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 20, 2023)  
Troublemaker (Songbird #6)
Troublemaker (Songbird #6)
Melissa Pearl | 2016 | Contemporary, Romance
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is Marcus' story and tells how he has been in love with Kelly since High School. To be honest, I couldn't understand the whys and wherefores of Marcus' love for her, as she seemed to be a real snippety madam to me. However, the joy of Melissa Pearl's writing is when she takes a character and turns them around, and you end up cheering them on. This is what happened to me with Kelly.

This is a quick, fun, and also introspective book. Kelly has to figure out if she is prepared to act for who she is and work for what she wants, or if she is going to be an empty figurehead. This is not as easy as it sounds, and she definitely has her work cut out for her.

With characters that are both lovely and others that are instantly dislikeable, this story is fast-paced and smooth. Well written, with no grammatical or editing errors that I found, this was a delight to read and a wonderful addition to the Songbird series. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 31, 2016
  
Nightingale Point
Nightingale Point
10
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
<a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/">Blog</a>; | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/">Facebook</a>; | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference">Twitter</a>; | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/">Instagram</a>; | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofdifference/pins/">Pinterest</a>;

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<b><i>One ordinary day. One extraordinary event. Their lives changed forever. </i></b>

Nightingale Point is a book that shows the aftermath of a terrible disaster. A story about many people's lives, how this event changed them and their recovery and grief.

<b><i>BEFORE</i></b>

The book starts with giving us a brief description of people living in two neighboring buildings. We get to know their daily routines, their worries and hopes. We get a glimpse of their everyday lives and start to care for them.

We meet Mary, who has moved from the Philippines into the UK to persue her career as a nurse. Her husband is always away and her children are distant.

We meet the brothers Tristan and Malachi - they have a tragedy of their own, and Mary is like their mum. Tristan is the naughty 16-year-old and Malachi is the older, more responsible brother.

Then we meet Pamela, a 16-year-old who loves running and falls in love with Malachi. However, her racist dad forbids her to see Malachi and locks her inside the building,

We see Elvis as well, who has learning disabilities and lives with his carer. He gets bullied by Tristan one day when Tristan spits in his face.

<b><i>AFTER</i></b>

On 4th May 1996, a plane crashes into these two buildings at Nightingale Point and everything changes.

Every resident that lives on Nightingale Point has a before and after story. The ones that survived, but also the ones that didn't.

This is a story about how much one event can turn your life upside down, how it can change you and also how much little things mean in life, but we forget them so often.

I found it amusing that we had different chapters from different people's perspectives, and each character had its own different writing style and life to it. This was amazingly done by the author. I found the chapters with Elvis especially refreshing, as they were so heartwarming.

Based on real tragic events - the crash in Bijlmer, Amsterdam and also the fire in Grenfell Tower, the author did a wonderful job in showing the readers the true pain, trauma and the battle of moving forward when a tragedy happens.

Guys, if you haven't read this book, please pick it up. It will be a hit and it will change your life. Every time I look at this book, I will remember how much little things matter in life and will always call my dad and ask him how he's doing. Because it matters.

Thank you to the team at HQ for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

<a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/">Blog</a>; | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/">Facebook</a>; | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference">Twitter</a>; | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/">Instagram</a>; | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofdifference/pins/">Pinterest</a>;
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated A Quiet Undertaking in Books

Jan 27, 2022 (Updated Jan 27, 2022)  
A Quiet Undertaking
A Quiet Undertaking
Penny Warner | 2000 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Scandal in Flat Skunk
Deaf reporter Connor Westphal is hot on the trail of another scandal in her small Gold Country town for her weekly newspaper. A storage locker full of human ashes has been found near the town of Flat Skunk, California. The ashes were supposed to be scattered at sea by Jasper Coyne, but before anyone can question Jasper, he is found dead near his houseboat. With the scandal impacting Connor’s friend, Del Rey, Connor has an extra motive to investigate. But with Del Rey hiding secrets of her own, will Connor ever figure out what really happened?

This was an inventive mystery that kept me guessing until the end. There were plenty of surprises on the way to the logical climax. Unfortunately, Connor did make some pretty stupid moves as she was investigating, which is a bummer since I like her overall. She leads a strong cast of fun characters. I love how her deafness is worked into the book and how it makes certain scenes even more suspenseful. There are more four letter words than usual in a cozy mystery, so know that going in. The book was first released over 20 years ago, so some of the technology is dated, but keep that in mind as you read it, and you’ll be fine. Overall, this was another fun, confusing mystery. I’m glad I’m finally reading this series.
  
TS
The Secret of Pembrooke Park
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mystery, murder, treasure and romance. All of which can be found in Julie Klassen’s most recent book, The Secret of Pembrooke Park. This book will have you turning pages until the wee hours of morning.

England, 1817, Abigail Foster and her family are in the midst of a financial crisis that could ruin them forever, when an offer to let Pembrooke Park is brought before them. The house has been vacant for almost 20 years, and there is a lot of clean up needed before they can move in, but the terms seem too good to be true. This is just the opportunity the Foster’s need so they can begin to rebuild their lives. Abigail and her father travel to the village of Caldwell to begin fixing up the property. It is not long before whispers and rumors make it to Abigail’s ears regarding the previous inhabitants. Whispers of treasure and murder and ghosts. What happened here so many years ago? Will Abigail be able to uncover the truth? Clues are found and mysterious letters are sent to Abigail from what appears to be someone who lived at Pembrooke Park. Does the miniature doll’s house hold the key to where the treasure was hidden? Abigail befriends the previous steward’s daughter, Leah Chapman, who has her own mysteries of the past that she is concealing. William Chapman, Leah’s sister and the local pastor, seems to become interested in Abigail, but will Miss Foster’s sister, Louisa sweep him off his feet as she does to every man she meets? And Mr. Chapman is not the only man that has taken an interest in Abigail. Truth, faith and love are the primary factors guiding our players. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt.”

I have not enjoyed a book so much as I enjoyed reading The Secret of Pembrooke Park. I stayed up late many a night reading when I should have been sleeping. Most definitely a page turner if I ever read one. I cannot praise Mrs. Klassen enough for her fine works. The historical accuracy, the depth, the feeling. Creative liberties are used in regards to classes intermingling, but that’s what makes her books so intriguing. The suspense and mystery was mild (compared to the thrillers my husband reads), but it was enough to make my head turn at the sounds of my own house creaking in the night. I am looking forward to her next release. I told my husband that I want the rest of Julie Klassen’s books for Christmas this year!

As a part of their blogger review program, I received a free copy of The Secret of Pembrooke Park from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
UG
Unhallowed Ground
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
(This review can also be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).

When I read the synopsis for Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills, I must confess that I was more than intrigued. I love a good ghost story, so there was no way I was going to let this one pass me by. Although this book wasn't as ghosty (not a real word, haha) as I would've liked, it was still a nice read.

Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills is a short story told by the main character, Henry Feathering. Henry decides to visit his only surviving relative, his uncle, at Bittersweet Lodge. Upon arriving, he notices how dilapidated the building is. Henry falls in love with a woman named Clemency and decides that she will be his wife. Henry's uncle gives him a dire warning: do not move into the lodge with his bride for it will have horrible consequences. Ignoring his uncle's warning, Henry and Clemency move into Bittersweet Lodge. Soon Clemency is acting rather distant from Henry for some strange reason. Could there be a sinister force at work?

How spooky does the cover for Unhallowed Ground look!?! The cover of this book is definitely an attention grabber. I love the fact that it also fits in with the actual story.

The title definitely lets you know that this isn't going to be a warming story. Unhallowed Ground is a great title and fits in definitely with the story since a young girl was buried on unhallowed ground. (Don't worry, I haven't given away a spoiler as this is mentioned throughout the book).

The world building and setting are fantastic in this book. The story takes place in 1891, and the author does a great job of recreating the year. The description of the lodge seems spot on, and it paints a vivid picture in your mind.

The pacing of this book couldn't have been better. It is a short story, so it shouldn't take you more than 2 or 3 hours to read especially as Unhallowed Ground is a real page turner! I was constantly trying to guess what would happen next.

The dialogue of this book is old-fashioned as one would expect since it does take place in 1891. However, it is easy to understand, and there was no swearing.

The characters were great! Henry, Clemency, and Justice are the three main characters. They all come across as feeling like real people. My favourite character was Henry's uncle. I loved his eccentricity.

The only thing I didn't like was that I was expecting more of a ghost story which this wasn't really. I wanted a typical ghost story with apparitions, things moving by themselves, etc. I felt the synopsis was a bit misleading. I also wish that this story would've been a bit longer. Despite that, this was a good read.

I'd recommend Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills to everyone, especially fans of the horror genre, aged 16+.

Overall, I'd give Unhallowed Ground by Daniel Mills a 3.75 out of 5.

(Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for supplying me with a free ebook of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review).
  
Alpha&#039;s Embrace (Omega Misfits #3)
Alpha's Embrace (Omega Misfits #3)
Wendy Rathbone | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a needed addition but falls far flat of the other two books
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Omega Misfits series, but you don't need to have read Trust No Alpha (book 1) or The Alpha's Fake Mate (book 2) before you read this one. They all take place in the same world, but can totally be read as a stand alone read. I HAVE read them, although I did not write reviews for them as I read them via the Unlimited programme.

And I found THIS one the weakest of the three.

Alphas are supposed to mate with Omegas and ONLY with Omegas. However when 2 Omegas mate, and produce a child, that child is a Sylph. Sylph children are removed from society and kept locked up for their own good. They live with a constant Burn, unlike Alphas who get them regularly, and most do not live into adulthood for going insane.

Misha is such a child. Well, not a child, he is well into adulthood and a bit of an anomoly. He can control his Burn, and be a productive member of society, BUT for the fact he is Sylph. Geo is an Alpha and the new general manager at the facility where Misha lives. When Geo touches Misha without gloves, a bond begins. A bond that is as illegal as it is dangerous. To BOTH of them.

Both Misha and Geo know this is different, whatever they are feeling, but Geo is best able to voice it and rationalise what is happening between them. Misha is, for want of a better explanation, away with the fairies most of the time, but then again, being locked up all the time would make anyone so. Misha KNOWS he is Sylph, he KNOWS he cannot bond, so he doesn't know what this is between him and Geo. He KNOWS he wants Geo, in a way that is different to his usual want (Sylphs want everyone) he just doesn't know what to do. Geo makes the decision, but Misha is given a choice. I liked that it took time for them to act on the bond, to consummate it. They both have thoughts about the other, it just takes time for them to act on it. I've filed it as m-preg, cos it is talked about and does appear in other books in the series, but there isn't any here.

Both guys have a say, in the first person. Misha's voice is a little airy-fairy, like I said and Geo's is very much an Alpha, but he does go a little off the rails, and that comes out of nowhere, to be honest. I found Geo the least liked of the three Alphas in these books and I cannot pinpoint exactly why.

I liked how it all sorted out, but I would have liked a bit of an epilogue, a some-time-later type thing, to catch up on them, and how things pan out after what they did, and whether things had changed for Misha with a fully formed bond.

A nice read, a GOOD addition to the series though and I think it really was needed, a story about the Slyph children, who are talked about in the other books. This book just didn't push my buttons as the other two did, I'm afraid.

3 good solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
    Karate Training Program

    Karate Training Program

    Sports and Health & Fitness

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