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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Lie in Books

Feb 21, 2018  
The Lie
The Lie
C.L. Taylor | 2018 | Thriller
8
7.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
"Wow" - my first thought when I finally put the book down. I didn't re-read the description before starting this book and had forgotten what it was about, so I didn't really know what to expect. I think that was a perfect way to read this story - just to go along and let it drag you across the world and back again, into the past and then back to the present, never knowing when the next turn would be. This was truly a hard to put down thriller. I didn't know what was going on or who to trust, and became so caught up in Jane's story that I totally lost track of time while reading it.

This is not an unreliable narrator book, but if you're a fan of thrillers like Gone Girl or the Girl on the Train, I think you'll love this one.

<u>Warning</u> - I know some readers prefer not to read or be surprised by some topics. This novel contains scenes depicting rape and violence against women.

<I>Note: I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i>
  
TB
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!

I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!

5 stars =)
  
The Leisure Seeker (2017)
The Leisure Seeker (2017)
2017 | Drama
2
5.0 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
A runaway couple go on an unforgettable journey in the faithful old RV they call The Leisure Seeker.



Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland in a movie together... I wanted to love this one. I'm sad to say that I really didn't.

Having not seen a trailer I was completely blindsided by the actual subject matter. From the things I've seen, and the IMDb description above along with "Adventure, Comedy, Drama" under it's entry I was expecting something entirely different. Something funny, and more like a teen road movie, but with older people. But the tale of last chance before ill health wins, is bleak to say the least.

It's a strong and important message about life with, and after, illness. The two are essentially on the run from their ill health, Ella is terminal and John is nearly completely lost to his memories. You get the fleeting highs and lows that the couple do throughout, but they don't make up for the slow and "every day" nature of the movie.

This one was another on the "I'd have left but then I wouldn't have been able to bitch about it" list.
  
Something She&#039;s Not Telling Us
Something She's Not Telling Us
Darcey Bell | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Charlotte is a doting mom who adores her five-year-old daughter, Daisy. She's also extremely overprotective and anxious, watching and worrying over Daisy's every move. Charlotte and her brother, Rocco, had a tough childhood. Rocco reacts by dating a variety of troubled women. But it seems like he's finally found someone special in his latest girlfriend, Ruth. Ruth really seems to love Rocco--and Daisy. But Charlotte rankles at how much Ruth likes Daisy and vice versa. Then Daisy is kidnapped from school, and Charlotte is convinced that Ruth took her. Is she right, or is it just Charlotte's fears rearing up again?

This was a twisty read that kept me guessing the entire time. It makes you work a bit to keep up, going back and forth between different perspectives and time periods, but it is interesting, dark, and compelling, with several good surprises thrown in. I was constantly switching my allegiances between Charlotte and Ruth, wondering which one (if either) I should trust. The ending felt a little abrupt and quick, but I would certainly read Bell's other work. 3.5 stars.
  
9 1/2 Weeks (1986)
9 1/2 Weeks (1986)
1986 | Drama, Romance
Wild, magnetic, and hot as hell - nobody does these like Lyne, man. One of the things I love most about this is that it's one of the sacred few of these that don't demonize kink *nor* make it a symptom of some trauma/mental illness; this is simply two consenting adults participating in a kinky relationship. They were getting this shit right in 1986, people - there's no excuse to keep messing it up 35 years later. Of course Rourke and Basinger have smoldering chemistry here too, their performances are so daring for the time and hold up airtight even today. Asks the devastating question of whether it's worse when passion is lost altogether, or when it becomes too consuming for one's reasonable expectations to handle? Also features a montage of the two leads fucking on a rainy alley staircase to loud 1980s synth music after beating up a random group of thugs - so you really get the best of both worlds. The last 20/25 minutes is the best work of Lyne's entire career. 80s MTV version of 𝘍π˜ͺ𝘧𝘡𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘒π˜₯𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 (still not quite as good as 𝘚𝘦𝘀𝘳𝘦𝘡𝘒𝘳𝘺, though).
  
Pulse and Prejudice (The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire #1)
Pulse and Prejudice (The Confession of Mr. Darcy, Vampire #1)
Colette L. Saucier | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a long-term lover of the classics, Pride & Prejudice in particular, I wondered what I would get with this book. Would I love it or loathe it? Would it stay true to the original or go completely farcical?

What I got was a book that thrilled me with the story just as much as the original did. The language is true to form, the behaviour, the attitudes, it's all there. Only now add in the spice of an even more haughty and sultry Mr Darcy as he tries to contend with his vampiric nature.

Trust me when I say that this paranormal addition actually added something for me, it certainly didn't take anything away from the story. I devoured this book, only putting it down when I absolutely had to. If you like Paranormal and also the British Classics, then I really can't recommend this highly enough. It combines the two with excellent narrative, skill and aplomb. Highly Recommended.

* 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 18, 2015
  
Gifts for the Season is a warm-hearted collection of seasonal madness, from new love to old, it's all here. Each one gives you a short story, some with new couples, some with old, but all full of Christmas spirit.

I will admit, I preferred the ones that were new stories but that is because I really don't like reading stories where I think I may have missed out on something!

For me, my favourites were The First Snow of Winter by Joanna Chambers and Driving Home for Christmas by Annabelle Jacobs. The first because it's a historical romance which stands out from the contemporary/paranormal rest and the second because junction 10 on the M42 is well known to me so it gave me a feeling of familiarity.

As with all anthologies, some I enjoyed more than others, but every story is a winner in my book. Absolutely recommended by me.

* 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!
Nov 6, 2020
  
Barbecue Can Be Deadly
Barbecue Can Be Deadly
Ryan Rivers | 2023 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Brisket and Deadly Tension
Sho Tanaka’s sister Jenny is entering a local barbecue competition, and Sho and Levi Blue are going along to show their support. Sho immediately notices all the tension between the other professional contestants. But he isn’t prepared when he and Levi stumble over a dead body. With the evidence pointing to Jenny, Sho is quick to jump into the investigation. Who is cooking up more than barbecue?

Quite often when I start a mystery, it’s easy to see who the victim will be. That wasn’t the case here, which is something I loved. I did feel the pacing was off in the first half, but I still enjoyed the book and was satisfied when we reached the end. I love these characters. They are strong with great relationships. While the book deals with some serious topics, like early onset dementia and prescription drug addiction, it is a comedic mystery, and I laughed quite a few times. The competing tones are balanced perfectly, making for a richer reading experience. It’s going to be a long wait for me until the next in the series comes out. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that today.