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Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Cold Hearted in Books
Aug 30, 2021
When you’re eight books into a series such as the Villain Tales by Serena Valentino you would think that I wouldn’t be smug anymore! You would think that I wouldn’t go into the book saying “I won’t end up feeling sorry for this villain”.
You would also think that I know I am always wrong!
Lady Tremaine is one of the easiest villains to hate in the Disney universe: she worked Cinderella to the bone, denied her a decent party and then locked her in the attic for good measure! These are hardly the actions of some misunderstood soul.
Until Serena Valentino comes along of course! Valentino has a truly unique way of humanising these characters that we love to hate and, with the help of the Odd Sisters, proves to us time and time again that there is more to our fairytales than meets the eye.
The previous book in the villain tales, Evil Thing, took the reader outside of the Many Kingdoms for the first time. Valentino takes advantage of this, neatly using Cold Hearted to join together Lady Tremaine’s life in London with both the Fairylands and the Many Kingdoms. This timeline means that the readers meet Lady Tremaine before her role as stepmother: we learn of her worries over indulging her two daughters and her unwillingness to move on after her husband’s death.
Cold Hearted skips time periods slightly so the reader is actually experiencing Nanny and the Fairy Godmother reading Lady Tremaine’s story. Don't worry: this doesn't mean we are deprived of our favourite creepy sisters, although this book may have you looking at the Odd Sisters in an entirely new light.
The 8th villain tale continues Valentino’s reign of brilliant, alternative views of our villains. Lady Tremaine was to be the heroine of her own fairytale; all she wanted was her own happily ever after. Where did it go so wrong?
You would also think that I know I am always wrong!
Lady Tremaine is one of the easiest villains to hate in the Disney universe: she worked Cinderella to the bone, denied her a decent party and then locked her in the attic for good measure! These are hardly the actions of some misunderstood soul.
Until Serena Valentino comes along of course! Valentino has a truly unique way of humanising these characters that we love to hate and, with the help of the Odd Sisters, proves to us time and time again that there is more to our fairytales than meets the eye.
The previous book in the villain tales, Evil Thing, took the reader outside of the Many Kingdoms for the first time. Valentino takes advantage of this, neatly using Cold Hearted to join together Lady Tremaine’s life in London with both the Fairylands and the Many Kingdoms. This timeline means that the readers meet Lady Tremaine before her role as stepmother: we learn of her worries over indulging her two daughters and her unwillingness to move on after her husband’s death.
Cold Hearted skips time periods slightly so the reader is actually experiencing Nanny and the Fairy Godmother reading Lady Tremaine’s story. Don't worry: this doesn't mean we are deprived of our favourite creepy sisters, although this book may have you looking at the Odd Sisters in an entirely new light.
The 8th villain tale continues Valentino’s reign of brilliant, alternative views of our villains. Lady Tremaine was to be the heroine of her own fairytale; all she wanted was her own happily ever after. Where did it go so wrong?
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Echo Killing ( Harper McClain 1) in Books
Dec 28, 2023
206 of 235
Kindle
The Echo Killing ( Harper McClain 1)
By Christi Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When a murder echoing a fifteen-year-old cold case rocks the Southern town of Savannah, crime reporter Harper McClain risks everything to find the identity of this calculated killer in Christi Daugherty's new novel The Echo Killing.
A city of antebellum architecture, picturesque parks, and cobblestone streets, Savannah moves at a graceful pace. But for Harper McClain, the timeless beauty and culture that distinguishes her home’s Southern heritage vanishes during the dark and dangerous nights. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Not even finding her mother brutally murdered in their home when she was twelve has made her love Savannah any less.
Her mother’s killer was never found, and that unsolved murder left Harper with an obsession that drove her to become one of the best crime reporters in the state of Georgia. She spends her nights with the police, searching for criminals. Her latest investigation takes her to the scene of a homicide where the details are hauntingly familiar: a young girl being led from the scene by a detective, a female victim naked and stabbed multiple times in the kitchen, and no traces of any evidence pointing towards a suspect.
Harper has seen all of this before in her own life. The similarities between the murder of Marie Whitney and her own mother’s death lead her to believe they’re both victims of the same killer. At last, she has the chance to find the murderer who’s eluded justice for fifteen years and make sure another little girl isn’t forever haunted by a senseless act of violence—even if it puts Harper in the killer’s cross-hairs…
This was really good I enjoyed it. I did catch on to the killer early on but it was still a really good read. Characters were interesting and the storyline was good. Looking forward to more.
Kindle
The Echo Killing ( Harper McClain 1)
By Christi Daugherty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When a murder echoing a fifteen-year-old cold case rocks the Southern town of Savannah, crime reporter Harper McClain risks everything to find the identity of this calculated killer in Christi Daugherty's new novel The Echo Killing.
A city of antebellum architecture, picturesque parks, and cobblestone streets, Savannah moves at a graceful pace. But for Harper McClain, the timeless beauty and culture that distinguishes her home’s Southern heritage vanishes during the dark and dangerous nights. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Not even finding her mother brutally murdered in their home when she was twelve has made her love Savannah any less.
Her mother’s killer was never found, and that unsolved murder left Harper with an obsession that drove her to become one of the best crime reporters in the state of Georgia. She spends her nights with the police, searching for criminals. Her latest investigation takes her to the scene of a homicide where the details are hauntingly familiar: a young girl being led from the scene by a detective, a female victim naked and stabbed multiple times in the kitchen, and no traces of any evidence pointing towards a suspect.
Harper has seen all of this before in her own life. The similarities between the murder of Marie Whitney and her own mother’s death lead her to believe they’re both victims of the same killer. At last, she has the chance to find the murderer who’s eluded justice for fifteen years and make sure another little girl isn’t forever haunted by a senseless act of violence—even if it puts Harper in the killer’s cross-hairs…
This was really good I enjoyed it. I did catch on to the killer early on but it was still a really good read. Characters were interesting and the storyline was good. Looking forward to more.
Married to the Vampire King (Blood Bonded Mates #2)
10.0
Rate It
Book
ETHAN The bad news is that the vampires and witches of this city are all going to kill each other....
MM Paranormal Romance Series Vampires
Debbiereadsbook (1811 KP) rated The Magic of Vanaheim (The Nine Worlds #1) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
Loved the Norse and Viking references!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Usually, I rehash the blurb, not gonna here, cos I just wanna jump straight in!
I LOVED this book!
What I loved most was how patient Talvi was with Hakon (I'm sorry, my keyboard won't do the special characters!) Talvi loved Hakon since he was a child, and now he had the frost warrior in his bed, he wasn't letting him go. Talvi waited, and watched, as Hakon settled into his new life. Waited while he found his footing, and realised that all those things his father said to him, were a lie. Hakon wasn't useless, or a waste of space! He was to be King with Talvi, he just needed to see that fact himself, before Hakon could give himself fully to Talvi.
I could see that betrayal coming a long way off, and while it's good to be proven right, it's still mighty painful for Talvi to realise where the threat really was.
I did NOT see the death of Hakon's father coming from where that did! But I think it was right it came from that person, rather than Hakon.
I loved all the Viking and Norse references. Some were recognisable, some not so. But those not so ones, were what really made this book.
And now, I have questions! Where is Talvi's brother? And his mother's? Will Hakon's sister get a story? But the biggest question is just what is going on with Talvi's uncle and the thrall??
I hope these are answered in future books! I look forward to getting my hands on them!
Saga Nansen is relatively new to the scene, but they have jumped in and landed with a mighty splash in this genre, please keep them coming!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Usually, I rehash the blurb, not gonna here, cos I just wanna jump straight in!
I LOVED this book!
What I loved most was how patient Talvi was with Hakon (I'm sorry, my keyboard won't do the special characters!) Talvi loved Hakon since he was a child, and now he had the frost warrior in his bed, he wasn't letting him go. Talvi waited, and watched, as Hakon settled into his new life. Waited while he found his footing, and realised that all those things his father said to him, were a lie. Hakon wasn't useless, or a waste of space! He was to be King with Talvi, he just needed to see that fact himself, before Hakon could give himself fully to Talvi.
I could see that betrayal coming a long way off, and while it's good to be proven right, it's still mighty painful for Talvi to realise where the threat really was.
I did NOT see the death of Hakon's father coming from where that did! But I think it was right it came from that person, rather than Hakon.
I loved all the Viking and Norse references. Some were recognisable, some not so. But those not so ones, were what really made this book.
And now, I have questions! Where is Talvi's brother? And his mother's? Will Hakon's sister get a story? But the biggest question is just what is going on with Talvi's uncle and the thrall??
I hope these are answered in future books! I look forward to getting my hands on them!
Saga Nansen is relatively new to the scene, but they have jumped in and landed with a mighty splash in this genre, please keep them coming!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated Bound to Happen (Bound #2) in Books
Jan 27, 2026
We meet up with Fee. She is about studying or researching, not playing—her flatmates help her bury her mouse.
I am curious about her parents and, if she has any, her siblings. Suppose this is the same Fee that is mentioned at the end of book one. Her name is Aoife, but friends call her "Fee". Wonder what she's doing in London and who she works for.
We meet Gil, and we see his point of view. He seems interested in a woman who was on stage. What happened to him? What caused his death and exile to a theater in London? He has come alive this year when an ung woman came to visit and explore the stage.
Fee thinks she can pass on her leaking as if it were a choice. But what if she's soul, and she really does have a choice?
Will she help Gil? Her mother warned her, but she didn't take it seriously.
Where she is now, she has to forget her family, such as her brothers and parents. However, we have some memories of her mom and Papa, and of her brother, Michael, and the twins. Will her siblings have Souler, or is it just women in the family?
It's getting more and more interesting as the story goes on. Will Fee finally know that she found her healing? Did he see her?
Why can souls travel centuries? But somewhat struggling in the 21st century with life once they run into their leeches?
Will Fee and Gil have a few children at some point? Will they be souls as well?
Will Fee free her leating? Will she join him once she does? She's trying to learn her soul's past. But is it a family business, or something else? Did her mother not get all the help, or did she not know how to bring her ghost to her, and that is why Fee and her sibling were living in Paris, France, in the 1700s?
I am curious about her parents and, if she has any, her siblings. Suppose this is the same Fee that is mentioned at the end of book one. Her name is Aoife, but friends call her "Fee". Wonder what she's doing in London and who she works for.
We meet Gil, and we see his point of view. He seems interested in a woman who was on stage. What happened to him? What caused his death and exile to a theater in London? He has come alive this year when an ung woman came to visit and explore the stage.
Fee thinks she can pass on her leaking as if it were a choice. But what if she's soul, and she really does have a choice?
Will she help Gil? Her mother warned her, but she didn't take it seriously.
Where she is now, she has to forget her family, such as her brothers and parents. However, we have some memories of her mom and Papa, and of her brother, Michael, and the twins. Will her siblings have Souler, or is it just women in the family?
It's getting more and more interesting as the story goes on. Will Fee finally know that she found her healing? Did he see her?
Why can souls travel centuries? But somewhat struggling in the 21st century with life once they run into their leeches?
Will Fee and Gil have a few children at some point? Will they be souls as well?
Will Fee free her leating? Will she join him once she does? She's trying to learn her soul's past. But is it a family business, or something else? Did her mother not get all the help, or did she not know how to bring her ghost to her, and that is why Fee and her sibling were living in Paris, France, in the 1700s?
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hanks Radio ( Haunted Collection book 4) in Books
Apr 2, 2022
58 of 230
Kindle
Hanks Radio ( Haunted Collection 4)
By Ron Ripley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A man's seductive voice emanates from an antique radio, luring women into his murderous embrace....
It's business as usual for Stefan Korzh as he continues to send haunted antiques onto unsuspecting buyers. Despite going into hiding, his desire to punish the universe for his own misfortune remains unchecked.
Victor Daniels, now more than ever, is focused on grabbing Korzh by the neck and making him feel the full extent of his pain and suffering. But plans change when a suave ghost from the 1940s leaves a trail of dead bodies in his wake. Hank, a sly and charming specter, uses a mahogany-colored radio to reach his victims...lonely, elderly women in nursing homes who find him hard to resist.
Meanwhile, Tom Crane is slowly adjusting to the life of a home-schooled student, spending his days immersed in books from the local library. But brewing underneath his scholarly demeanor is his insatiable thirst for revenge. With Victor occupied, Tom embarks on a dangerous mission to confront the man behind his misery.
The lives of Stefan, Victor, and Tom become more and more intertwined as they continue to play the blood-riddled sport. When old friends - and enemies - reveal themselves, they discover that anything is possible in a game filled with ghosts and vengeance.
Even the hunter can become the hunted....
I really enjoy these books and the character development. We pick up with Victor And Tom in this one and how they are dealing with Jeremy’s death and there continued search for Korzh. They get split up and things go a little haywire. These are so good and they involve a different vengeful spirit each time. This on also brought back the doll Anne that thing really gives me the bloody creeps. Recommended if you enjoy a good ghost story.
Kindle
Hanks Radio ( Haunted Collection 4)
By Ron Ripley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A man's seductive voice emanates from an antique radio, luring women into his murderous embrace....
It's business as usual for Stefan Korzh as he continues to send haunted antiques onto unsuspecting buyers. Despite going into hiding, his desire to punish the universe for his own misfortune remains unchecked.
Victor Daniels, now more than ever, is focused on grabbing Korzh by the neck and making him feel the full extent of his pain and suffering. But plans change when a suave ghost from the 1940s leaves a trail of dead bodies in his wake. Hank, a sly and charming specter, uses a mahogany-colored radio to reach his victims...lonely, elderly women in nursing homes who find him hard to resist.
Meanwhile, Tom Crane is slowly adjusting to the life of a home-schooled student, spending his days immersed in books from the local library. But brewing underneath his scholarly demeanor is his insatiable thirst for revenge. With Victor occupied, Tom embarks on a dangerous mission to confront the man behind his misery.
The lives of Stefan, Victor, and Tom become more and more intertwined as they continue to play the blood-riddled sport. When old friends - and enemies - reveal themselves, they discover that anything is possible in a game filled with ghosts and vengeance.
Even the hunter can become the hunted....
I really enjoy these books and the character development. We pick up with Victor And Tom in this one and how they are dealing with Jeremy’s death and there continued search for Korzh. They get split up and things go a little haywire. These are so good and they involve a different vengeful spirit each time. This on also brought back the doll Anne that thing really gives me the bloody creeps. Recommended if you enjoy a good ghost story.
Ali A (82 KP) rated The Poison Season in Books
Dec 8, 2022
If an outsider somehow makes it onto Endla they’re given a choice of death: the Forest or the lake.
Leelo was born and raised coexisting with the Wandering Forest located on the small island of Endla, and as much as she loves her community, she struggles with the fact that because her brother is an incanto, one without magic, he will be exiled by his next birthday.
When Leelo sees an outsider on the verge of drowning, she knows what she’s supposed to do - but in an instant, Leelo betrays everything she’s ever grown up. This leads to discoveries and consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren. But, as they grow closer, Leelo begins to question every fabric of her life.
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel - a creepy, evil forest that kills outsiders? Sign me up! Mara Rutherford did an amazing job at world building in this novel and establishing Leelo as a character. Because of how established she was, when Leelo begins to question her beliefs and lifestyle, it makes the book all the more interesting. It also gives you a bit of a chance to piece together your assumptions of the puzzle pieces Leelo is gathering and it was kind of fun to be able to say, “I knew it…”, when some of it came together.
The romance aspect of this novel is kind of what I would expect from a YA - not exactly instant love, but it was kind of close to it. But, Leelo and Jaren were sweet and I actually enjoyed their relationship and how they learned about each other and though it felt a little rushed, I still was rooting for them.
Overall, I think anyone who loves a good fantasy romance would greatly enjoy this book. And, even if you don’t like romance novels, I still think fantasy readers would enjoy the world building Rutherford has done.
*Thank you Inkyard Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Leelo was born and raised coexisting with the Wandering Forest located on the small island of Endla, and as much as she loves her community, she struggles with the fact that because her brother is an incanto, one without magic, he will be exiled by his next birthday.
When Leelo sees an outsider on the verge of drowning, she knows what she’s supposed to do - but in an instant, Leelo betrays everything she’s ever grown up. This leads to discoveries and consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren. But, as they grow closer, Leelo begins to question every fabric of her life.
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel - a creepy, evil forest that kills outsiders? Sign me up! Mara Rutherford did an amazing job at world building in this novel and establishing Leelo as a character. Because of how established she was, when Leelo begins to question her beliefs and lifestyle, it makes the book all the more interesting. It also gives you a bit of a chance to piece together your assumptions of the puzzle pieces Leelo is gathering and it was kind of fun to be able to say, “I knew it…”, when some of it came together.
The romance aspect of this novel is kind of what I would expect from a YA - not exactly instant love, but it was kind of close to it. But, Leelo and Jaren were sweet and I actually enjoyed their relationship and how they learned about each other and though it felt a little rushed, I still was rooting for them.
Overall, I think anyone who loves a good fantasy romance would greatly enjoy this book. And, even if you don’t like romance novels, I still think fantasy readers would enjoy the world building Rutherford has done.
*Thank you Inkyard Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
London Tales (Short Stories #2)
8.0
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This collection of eleven tales offers dramatic pinpricks in the rich tapestry of London’s...
Short Stories Historical Fiction
Moving On
9.0
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When his roof caves in, Sean Lovett thinks things can't get any worse. Until he loses his job,...
Contemporary MM Romance
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Perfected (Perfected, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2023
Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch
This book has been sat on my bookshelf for as long as I can remember, which is why i finally decided to pick it up.
The book was originally published in 2014, around the height of YA Dystopian books. And if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about this book allow me to continue.
After creating a new law which allows for the creation of human pets, congressman Kimball bought Ella. She is a pet designed and trained specifically for entertaining the Elite as the most prestigious family companion.
But for Ella, things aren't what they seem. Family secrets arise; she is kidnapped; and the dark world under her pampered life shows itself; and she cannot help but fall for the congressman's son, Penn. She is forced to question her existence. But if she chooses to act on these new revelations, she may face a fate worse than death.
Not to be rude, but this book is just like any other YA book written of its time. It draws a lot of similarities to Lauren DeStefano's Wither Trilogy. Its beautifully written, with lots of potential, but lacks execution. Ella is a very basic character for me. She is passive and her only motives for pushing herself derive from Penn, her love interest.
It seems the author tried to go for a hate to love relationship, but it fell flat with the instalovey trope. Even then, their love seemed more like lust to me. They didn't really build any foundations and connection. At least not enough to justify Ella's actions and motives.
Had I read this in my teens when the book came out, I would probably have loved it. But I'm older and nore cynical now.
I have already bought the second book on Audible and the book wasn't so terrible that I won't at least give it a try, but I'm apprehensive to say the least.
The book was originally published in 2014, around the height of YA Dystopian books. And if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about this book allow me to continue.
After creating a new law which allows for the creation of human pets, congressman Kimball bought Ella. She is a pet designed and trained specifically for entertaining the Elite as the most prestigious family companion.
But for Ella, things aren't what they seem. Family secrets arise; she is kidnapped; and the dark world under her pampered life shows itself; and she cannot help but fall for the congressman's son, Penn. She is forced to question her existence. But if she chooses to act on these new revelations, she may face a fate worse than death.
Not to be rude, but this book is just like any other YA book written of its time. It draws a lot of similarities to Lauren DeStefano's Wither Trilogy. Its beautifully written, with lots of potential, but lacks execution. Ella is a very basic character for me. She is passive and her only motives for pushing herself derive from Penn, her love interest.
It seems the author tried to go for a hate to love relationship, but it fell flat with the instalovey trope. Even then, their love seemed more like lust to me. They didn't really build any foundations and connection. At least not enough to justify Ella's actions and motives.
Had I read this in my teens when the book came out, I would probably have loved it. But I'm older and nore cynical now.
I have already bought the second book on Audible and the book wasn't so terrible that I won't at least give it a try, but I'm apprehensive to say the least.
