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Debbiereadsbook (1421 KP) rated River (Stranger In The Woods #2) in Books
Feb 9, 2018
Long bokk but good!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book direct from the author.
This is book 2 in the Stranger in The Woods series, and you really MUST read Rain, book one first. I really enjoyed that one.
This one?? Not so much. Mostly because this book is LONG!!!
Rose had her baby, Rain right at the end of book one. This one is about the run up to River's birth. Ryder is River's father.
It is again written first person, present tense, multi point of view, mostly Rose and Ryder, with some Gunner and a few other, less savoury characters, but it is right that they have a say. And it bothered me more here, than in Rain, the present tense thing, and I've no idea WHY!
There is a huge chunk of the book that was kinda...trippy....for want of a better word. When Rose and Rain are kidnapped by King and are dwelling in another plane, I got lost. There are two or three names for the same body that is inhabited by King. Sometimes his speech is in italics, and sometimes not. I'm still not entirely sure about the past life thing between King and Rose!
There is, I think, a MUCH bigger picture that still isn't clear for these characters, and sometimes that's a good thing but here?? I'm thinking not so much. I have no idea, not a single clue, where this story is going, and I felt that right down to my bones as I was reading. I began to skim far far more than usual, and that is never a good thing.
I did, however, read this book in one single sitting, and it ain't no novella, let me tell ya! Not sure how many pages it is, but it took me 5 hours! So it kept me mostly engaged, except the trippy bit which was confusing to say the least!
So, because I read it in one go, because everyone who needed to has a say, and because I really do need to know where this is going...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 2 in the Stranger in The Woods series, and you really MUST read Rain, book one first. I really enjoyed that one.
This one?? Not so much. Mostly because this book is LONG!!!
Rose had her baby, Rain right at the end of book one. This one is about the run up to River's birth. Ryder is River's father.
It is again written first person, present tense, multi point of view, mostly Rose and Ryder, with some Gunner and a few other, less savoury characters, but it is right that they have a say. And it bothered me more here, than in Rain, the present tense thing, and I've no idea WHY!
There is a huge chunk of the book that was kinda...trippy....for want of a better word. When Rose and Rain are kidnapped by King and are dwelling in another plane, I got lost. There are two or three names for the same body that is inhabited by King. Sometimes his speech is in italics, and sometimes not. I'm still not entirely sure about the past life thing between King and Rose!
There is, I think, a MUCH bigger picture that still isn't clear for these characters, and sometimes that's a good thing but here?? I'm thinking not so much. I have no idea, not a single clue, where this story is going, and I felt that right down to my bones as I was reading. I began to skim far far more than usual, and that is never a good thing.
I did, however, read this book in one single sitting, and it ain't no novella, let me tell ya! Not sure how many pages it is, but it took me 5 hours! So it kept me mostly engaged, except the trippy bit which was confusing to say the least!
So, because I read it in one go, because everyone who needed to has a say, and because I really do need to know where this is going...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Midge (525 KP) rated SEAL's Homecoming in Books
Jan 31, 2019 (Updated Jan 31, 2019)
Hot romance (2 more)
Great lead characters
Action and suspense
A Delightful, Sexy Must Read!
I absolutely adored this wonderful, hot, little romance from the very beginning.
Chance McCallister is a Navy SEAL with dark brown eyes a perfectly honed body and likes sprucing up classic cars. He and his brothers have returned to their home town of Springwell, Georgia for their father’s funeral. Chance buys the car parts from the garage that his ex-girlfriend owns, who he is trying to avoid and hasn’t seen for twelve years. No problem, unless things start to get complicated....
Enter Mandy Loomis, a stunning, petite, curvy, russet-haired beauty, to whom he lost his virginity and who he thought he’d marry until she ripped out his heart just before he left for the Navy. Mandy’s gambler father died two years ago, leaving her the garage family business and a whole load of related debt, owed to a loan shark.
To Mandy, Chance was her childhood sweetheart who abandoned her 12 years ago. Then he was 18 years old, now she is drowning in lust for him and he is bigger, stronger and even sexier, with an aura of danger and a reputation of fighter and predator. Just as the two are beginning to realize they could have a future together, the loan shark starts to make some serious trouble for them, putting both their love and their lives in danger.
Although Chance has a bad-boy image, I loved the sexy chemistry between him and Mandy whenever they were together and they were both very likeable characters. Mandy is bright, ambitious, fiercely independent and very much knows her own mind. Chance is gorgeous and his actions are always carried out with good intentions.
"SEAL’s Homecoming" is a short fast-paced read with lots of action, some suspense and plenty of lust and love. Leslie North has written another brilliant story that was sweet and captivating to the end and loads of fun to read.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone.
Thank you to Hidden Gems and the author, Leslie North, for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Chance McCallister is a Navy SEAL with dark brown eyes a perfectly honed body and likes sprucing up classic cars. He and his brothers have returned to their home town of Springwell, Georgia for their father’s funeral. Chance buys the car parts from the garage that his ex-girlfriend owns, who he is trying to avoid and hasn’t seen for twelve years. No problem, unless things start to get complicated....
Enter Mandy Loomis, a stunning, petite, curvy, russet-haired beauty, to whom he lost his virginity and who he thought he’d marry until she ripped out his heart just before he left for the Navy. Mandy’s gambler father died two years ago, leaving her the garage family business and a whole load of related debt, owed to a loan shark.
To Mandy, Chance was her childhood sweetheart who abandoned her 12 years ago. Then he was 18 years old, now she is drowning in lust for him and he is bigger, stronger and even sexier, with an aura of danger and a reputation of fighter and predator. Just as the two are beginning to realize they could have a future together, the loan shark starts to make some serious trouble for them, putting both their love and their lives in danger.
Although Chance has a bad-boy image, I loved the sexy chemistry between him and Mandy whenever they were together and they were both very likeable characters. Mandy is bright, ambitious, fiercely independent and very much knows her own mind. Chance is gorgeous and his actions are always carried out with good intentions.
"SEAL’s Homecoming" is a short fast-paced read with lots of action, some suspense and plenty of lust and love. Leslie North has written another brilliant story that was sweet and captivating to the end and loads of fun to read.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone.
Thank you to Hidden Gems and the author, Leslie North, for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Midnight on the River Grey in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Abigail Wilson returns to Regency England with another tale of murder, mystery, and romance.
After her elder brothers mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else. Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebeccas restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mothers prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path. Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca cant ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?
My Thoughts: This was an amazing read; full of plot twists, murder and even a little love involved. Abigail Wilson has spun a tale of intrigue that keeps the readers on the edge of their seat. In this book, you never know who to really trust and just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot twists again!
The characters in this story are intriguing, some are very lovable and some are just mysterious. There is a warm feeling with the Aunt/niece relationship with Rebecca and her aunt. The readers get a true feel for the loving relationship that Rebecca has with her aunt. Since Rebecca has not had a stable family relationship, she is a free-spirited young woman who has a very independent nature for this time period. This is a helpful trait for her, to help her search for her bother's killer. Even though it's a second in a series, this is a stand-alone book. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
After her elder brothers mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else. Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebeccas restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mothers prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path. Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca cant ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?
My Thoughts: This was an amazing read; full of plot twists, murder and even a little love involved. Abigail Wilson has spun a tale of intrigue that keeps the readers on the edge of their seat. In this book, you never know who to really trust and just when you think you have it all figured out, the plot twists again!
The characters in this story are intriguing, some are very lovable and some are just mysterious. There is a warm feeling with the Aunt/niece relationship with Rebecca and her aunt. The readers get a true feel for the loving relationship that Rebecca has with her aunt. Since Rebecca has not had a stable family relationship, she is a free-spirited young woman who has a very independent nature for this time period. This is a helpful trait for her, to help her search for her bother's killer. Even though it's a second in a series, this is a stand-alone book. I certainly look forward to reading more from this author.
Debbiereadsbook (1421 KP) rated Run With It (MacAteer Brothers, #1) in Books
Feb 2, 2020
much better read for me from this author!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This NEW series from Nystrom is a spin off from the Dragon Runners series. You don't need to have read THOSE books for this one to make sense, indeed, I've only read book one and half of book 2. I didn't much care for those books, and I have no idea why.
This one, however, is a whole nother story!
I really REALLY enjoyed this! I was surprised I enjoyed it so much, since I didn't care for the Dragon Runners, and I cannot tell you why, either!
Bev has her say in the first person, and Connor in the third. Different, but quirky and I liked it! Wasn't sure Connor would get a voice, but he does.
The chemistry builds for these two, right from the start, but its way WAY late in the book that they finally get any time together, what with Connor's work, and Bev's kids and dealing with a shitty ex and his new partner. I liked that it took time for them to come together. They do bandy about the L word early, to themselves at least and I didn't like that very much but it didn't spoil my reading.
Connor's builder family are in one of the Dragon Runners books, as they rebuild the Clubhouse/Bar (I forget which, and I didn't read Connor's sister's book, Stud, book 2) There is quite a lot of hints to the tension between Connor and some of his siblings, but the ones who turn up here are close to Connor. Bev's family are almost non-existent!
I had to laugh at Bev's friend, signing her up for a dating app, cos been there, done that and got the bloody t-shirt! I felt for Bev, on those dates, I really did!
I really cannot tell you why the Dragon Runners didn't work for me, and this one did, but I really don't care. I hope I can read the future books about these brothers, I have a feeling they will be fun to read about.
4 very VERY good stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This NEW series from Nystrom is a spin off from the Dragon Runners series. You don't need to have read THOSE books for this one to make sense, indeed, I've only read book one and half of book 2. I didn't much care for those books, and I have no idea why.
This one, however, is a whole nother story!
I really REALLY enjoyed this! I was surprised I enjoyed it so much, since I didn't care for the Dragon Runners, and I cannot tell you why, either!
Bev has her say in the first person, and Connor in the third. Different, but quirky and I liked it! Wasn't sure Connor would get a voice, but he does.
The chemistry builds for these two, right from the start, but its way WAY late in the book that they finally get any time together, what with Connor's work, and Bev's kids and dealing with a shitty ex and his new partner. I liked that it took time for them to come together. They do bandy about the L word early, to themselves at least and I didn't like that very much but it didn't spoil my reading.
Connor's builder family are in one of the Dragon Runners books, as they rebuild the Clubhouse/Bar (I forget which, and I didn't read Connor's sister's book, Stud, book 2) There is quite a lot of hints to the tension between Connor and some of his siblings, but the ones who turn up here are close to Connor. Bev's family are almost non-existent!
I had to laugh at Bev's friend, signing her up for a dating app, cos been there, done that and got the bloody t-shirt! I felt for Bev, on those dates, I really did!
I really cannot tell you why the Dragon Runners didn't work for me, and this one did, but I really don't care. I hope I can read the future books about these brothers, I have a feeling they will be fun to read about.
4 very VERY good stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Slaying Alven in Books
Mar 29, 2020
Slaying Alven is the latest fantasy novel by the versatile author, Jordan Elizabeth. Set in two different worlds, the story merges contemporary life and Dutch mythology. The Van Nuys family were gradually getting on with their lives six years after the murder of Vader (father). Unfortunately, a reluctant trip to see Aunt Annetie turns their world upside down once more.
There are several key characters in the story. Femmitie is about to finish high school and has just got her first boyfriend, Max. Tanneke, who witnessed Vader's death, has not spoken a word since. Sitske is growing up to be a strong, independent girl. Their mother, Catharina has remarried to a man named Xie with whom they have a son, Harvey. And then there is the Wittewijven ...
According to Dutch mythology, a Wittewijven was a wise woman or herbalist who took care of people's physical and mental ailments. When a Wittewijven died, their spirit remained on earth as "elven" beings, helping or hindering the people they met. The Wittewijven in this story, Wit for short, had turned to dark magic before her death hundreds of years ago. She is responsible for Vader's death and now she wants to destroy the rest of the family.
The story takes place between modern-day America and a world made for the Wittewijven, which can only be accessed by touching the words of a specific book. Over the years, Wit has trapped many people in her world and now the Van Nuys' family are her next targets. The only way Wit can be stopped is to be killed by a descendent, which, as it transpires, the Van Nuys are.
Jordan Elizabeth brings a new subject to the fantasy world in the form of the Wittewijven. Although the mythological character has featured in Dutch literature of the past, the legends are virtually unknown in the wider world.
Although the key characters are in their teens,Slaying Alven is more suited to mature readers due to some of the subjects implied. Overall, it is one of Jordan Elizabeth's best novels.
There are several key characters in the story. Femmitie is about to finish high school and has just got her first boyfriend, Max. Tanneke, who witnessed Vader's death, has not spoken a word since. Sitske is growing up to be a strong, independent girl. Their mother, Catharina has remarried to a man named Xie with whom they have a son, Harvey. And then there is the Wittewijven ...
According to Dutch mythology, a Wittewijven was a wise woman or herbalist who took care of people's physical and mental ailments. When a Wittewijven died, their spirit remained on earth as "elven" beings, helping or hindering the people they met. The Wittewijven in this story, Wit for short, had turned to dark magic before her death hundreds of years ago. She is responsible for Vader's death and now she wants to destroy the rest of the family.
The story takes place between modern-day America and a world made for the Wittewijven, which can only be accessed by touching the words of a specific book. Over the years, Wit has trapped many people in her world and now the Van Nuys' family are her next targets. The only way Wit can be stopped is to be killed by a descendent, which, as it transpires, the Van Nuys are.
Jordan Elizabeth brings a new subject to the fantasy world in the form of the Wittewijven. Although the mythological character has featured in Dutch literature of the past, the legends are virtually unknown in the wider world.
Although the key characters are in their teens,Slaying Alven is more suited to mature readers due to some of the subjects implied. Overall, it is one of Jordan Elizabeth's best novels.
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