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Merissa (11612 KP) rated No Easy Catch (Cleat Chasers, #4) in Books
Jan 20, 2020
No Easy Catch is the fourth book in the Cleat Chasers series, and the second one in the series I have read. You don't need to have read any of the others to get into this story.
This is an enemy to lovers story, set in the world of college with a whole host of dodgy dealings going on. To begin with, Jeff doesn't trust Ambar at all, even thinking she has been involved with it all. He soon learns she is innocent of all charges apart from being related to one of the men involved. This was a lovely tale, with a slow-build romance threaded through the mystery. As the reader, I got to see Jeff's first moments of realisation that Ambar was more than he had previously thought.
Although this is classed as a sports romance and Jeff plays baseball, it didn't take over the story, and there wasn't much there where he was actually on the field. The world is well established, with individual characters adding highlights to the story, or moving forward where necessary. The pacing was smooth and punchy when needed. I did find some words or phrases were used slightly repetitively but that's probably just me.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age romance with sport elements.
* 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!
This is an enemy to lovers story, set in the world of college with a whole host of dodgy dealings going on. To begin with, Jeff doesn't trust Ambar at all, even thinking she has been involved with it all. He soon learns she is innocent of all charges apart from being related to one of the men involved. This was a lovely tale, with a slow-build romance threaded through the mystery. As the reader, I got to see Jeff's first moments of realisation that Ambar was more than he had previously thought.
Although this is classed as a sports romance and Jeff plays baseball, it didn't take over the story, and there wasn't much there where he was actually on the field. The world is well established, with individual characters adding highlights to the story, or moving forward where necessary. The pacing was smooth and punchy when needed. I did find some words or phrases were used slightly repetitively but that's probably just me.
On the whole, I enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age romance with sport elements.
* 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!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Apr 7, 2020
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Despicable Me 2 (2013) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
The second installment of Dreamwork’s Despicable Me franchise had me laughing out loud repeatedly throughout the movie. Getting the biggest laughs, like in the first movie, were the antics of the Minions, the formerly felonious Gru’s eager assistants. While the first Despicable Me actually had me tearing up at some points, I think overall I laughed more during this one.
Although Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell), and his daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes are the main characters, the Minions steal many scenes. Watch for references to The Love Boat and the Village People when the Minions go on vacation.
The main story line introduces us to the Anti Villain League, an organization that that sends a resourceful agent named Lucy (voiced by Kristin Wiig) to contact (kidnap!) Gru in order to help them find the villain who is stealing a serum that turns things monstrous. Resistant at first, Gru acquiesces, and what follows is a quick-paced and laugh-out-loud funny tale of good vs. bad as Gru and Lucy work to solve the mystery of who the culprit is. During all this Gru also shows us how much of a doting and protective father he’s become to his girls.
In a slightly predictable sub-plot, Gru both fends off, and finds, love! We saw the movie in 3D, which I normally do not do, as it frequently makes me feel slightly ill, however, in this instance it was totally fitting, and completely drew us into the story and the characters.
Although Gru (voiced by Steve Carrell), and his daughters Margo, Edith and Agnes are the main characters, the Minions steal many scenes. Watch for references to The Love Boat and the Village People when the Minions go on vacation.
The main story line introduces us to the Anti Villain League, an organization that that sends a resourceful agent named Lucy (voiced by Kristin Wiig) to contact (kidnap!) Gru in order to help them find the villain who is stealing a serum that turns things monstrous. Resistant at first, Gru acquiesces, and what follows is a quick-paced and laugh-out-loud funny tale of good vs. bad as Gru and Lucy work to solve the mystery of who the culprit is. During all this Gru also shows us how much of a doting and protective father he’s become to his girls.
In a slightly predictable sub-plot, Gru both fends off, and finds, love! We saw the movie in 3D, which I normally do not do, as it frequently makes me feel slightly ill, however, in this instance it was totally fitting, and completely drew us into the story and the characters.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2057 KP) rated Crypt Suzette in Books
Feb 25, 2020
Halloween Hit and Run
Val Deniston’s granddad has taken on another boarder, a young woman named Suzette Cripps. Suzette spends most of her time in her room, but she is planning to participate in the literary themed costume contest to celebrate the town’s new bookstore. The morning after the contest, Suzette is dead, killed by a hit and run driver. The police are investigating, but they think it was an accident. Val can’t help but think it was more than that. Is she right?
The mystery starts out quickly, and it is easy for us to share Val’s suspicion that this wasn’t an accident. There are plenty of suspects, and I felt like it took a little while for me to keep them all straight. This is a minor complaint, however, as they did get developed as the book went along. I’m in awe at how the clues were sprinkled into the book, and as Val used them to piece things together at the end, I felt foolish for not picking up on them myself. The book is set at Halloween, and the fall atmosphere is a lot of fun. We get a creepy Halloween inspired scene near the end as well. Val’s granddad is a hoot, and I really enjoyed his sub-plot involving ghost hunting. There are five more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book. While it would be fun to read this book at Halloween, it works well at any season of the year. I enjoyed it in February, after all.
The mystery starts out quickly, and it is easy for us to share Val’s suspicion that this wasn’t an accident. There are plenty of suspects, and I felt like it took a little while for me to keep them all straight. This is a minor complaint, however, as they did get developed as the book went along. I’m in awe at how the clues were sprinkled into the book, and as Val used them to piece things together at the end, I felt foolish for not picking up on them myself. The book is set at Halloween, and the fall atmosphere is a lot of fun. We get a creepy Halloween inspired scene near the end as well. Val’s granddad is a hoot, and I really enjoyed his sub-plot involving ghost hunting. There are five more five-ingredient recipes at the end of the book. While it would be fun to read this book at Halloween, it works well at any season of the year. I enjoyed it in February, after all.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2057 KP) rated Dead Body Language in Books
Jul 24, 2020
Unexpected Body in the Cemetery
Connor Westphal has moved from San Francisco to the town of Flat Skunk in California’s gold country, where she is running the weekly paper she inherited from her grandparents. When Lacy Penzance comes in to place an ad to track down her long-lost sister, Connor readily agrees. Then Lacy takes back her ad. The next morning, Lacy is found dead. The sheriff doesn’t think it is the suicide it was staged to look like. Under the guise of writing an article about Lacy, Connor begins to investigate. Will she find the killer?
What I haven’t mentioned so far is that Connor is deaf. I found this character trait to be an interesting addition to the mystery, and it really added suspense to the climax. Connor is an all-around strong character, and I enjoyed getting to meet her friends here as well. The plot is strong, although I have a couple niggles about who the killer turned out to be. Even so, I have to admire the strong plotting; I missed several major clues. I did find there to be a few more four-letter words than I was expecting, and I think there were timeline issues, although I might have added an extra day in there somewhere as I was reading. I originally read this book close to when it was originally released in 1997, but I never read the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to fixing that soon.
What I haven’t mentioned so far is that Connor is deaf. I found this character trait to be an interesting addition to the mystery, and it really added suspense to the climax. Connor is an all-around strong character, and I enjoyed getting to meet her friends here as well. The plot is strong, although I have a couple niggles about who the killer turned out to be. Even so, I have to admire the strong plotting; I missed several major clues. I did find there to be a few more four-letter words than I was expecting, and I think there were timeline issues, although I might have added an extra day in there somewhere as I was reading. I originally read this book close to when it was originally released in 1997, but I never read the rest of the series. I’m looking forward to fixing that soon.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Plot in Books
May 13, 2021
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
At what point does a good story idea become a person's own for them to write? When it is published? Merely written? Does anyone really own a plot? Those are the questions that surround the premise of The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. However, The Plot is much more.
Jacob Finch Bonner, a once-promising writer, is now a failed author teaching third-rate MFA program when he meets Evan Parker, an arrogant student, who tells Jacob the plot of a story that is sure to become the next "big thing." Jacob waits for Parker's masterpiece, but it never is published. When Jacob learns Parker is dead, he writes Parker's plot. Everything is perfect, that is, until a troll posts Jacob stole the plot. Here the story becomes a mystery.
My problem with the audiobook was I wanted to finish it. However, it's challenging to listen while at work. I sat in my car to finish it before coming home and dealing with life.
The narrator, Kirby Heyborne, is considered one of the finest narrators working. Listening to him was like listening to Jacob tell his own story.
Heyborne's narration and Korelitz's plot make The Plot one of the best of 2021.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
At what point does a good story idea become a person's own for them to write? When it is published? Merely written? Does anyone really own a plot? Those are the questions that surround the premise of The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz. However, The Plot is much more.
Jacob Finch Bonner, a once-promising writer, is now a failed author teaching third-rate MFA program when he meets Evan Parker, an arrogant student, who tells Jacob the plot of a story that is sure to become the next "big thing." Jacob waits for Parker's masterpiece, but it never is published. When Jacob learns Parker is dead, he writes Parker's plot. Everything is perfect, that is, until a troll posts Jacob stole the plot. Here the story becomes a mystery.
My problem with the audiobook was I wanted to finish it. However, it's challenging to listen while at work. I sat in my car to finish it before coming home and dealing with life.
The narrator, Kirby Heyborne, is considered one of the finest narrators working. Listening to him was like listening to Jacob tell his own story.
Heyborne's narration and Korelitz's plot make The Plot one of the best of 2021.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Eduardo Sanchez recommended Blade Runner (1982) in Movies (curated)
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Love's Mountain Quest (Hearts of Montana, #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
Love’s Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller is the second book in her Hearts of Montana series. It can be read as a stand-alone (I have not read the first book yet) and not be left feeling like you are missing something.
Joanna, I thought was an interesting character. She is straight forward, she knows what she wants, and is a strong woman both physically and mentally. I thought Misty M. Beller did a great job of using these strengths while balancing out her softer feminine side. Isaac was more layered than Joanna as the story unfolds. He has a sense of mystery about him right until the very end. I thought both characters balanced each other out.
The storyline follows Joanna and Isaac on their quest to rescue Joanna’s son bouncing back and forth between them and the bandit’s party and their captives. I thought it flowed very well and kept the story progressing at a very good rate.
I give this story 4 out of 5 stars for the interesting characters, the theatrical elements to the story, and for the good flowing storyline. While this story was good, it did not live up to Misty M. Beller’s usual storytelling craftsmanship. I think because there was not as much detail and meaningful interaction between characters. But it was still a good story that I recommend reading.
*I volunteered to read this story in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Joanna, I thought was an interesting character. She is straight forward, she knows what she wants, and is a strong woman both physically and mentally. I thought Misty M. Beller did a great job of using these strengths while balancing out her softer feminine side. Isaac was more layered than Joanna as the story unfolds. He has a sense of mystery about him right until the very end. I thought both characters balanced each other out.
The storyline follows Joanna and Isaac on their quest to rescue Joanna’s son bouncing back and forth between them and the bandit’s party and their captives. I thought it flowed very well and kept the story progressing at a very good rate.
I give this story 4 out of 5 stars for the interesting characters, the theatrical elements to the story, and for the good flowing storyline. While this story was good, it did not live up to Misty M. Beller’s usual storytelling craftsmanship. I think because there was not as much detail and meaningful interaction between characters. But it was still a good story that I recommend reading.
*I volunteered to read this story in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Feb 23, 2021
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Matching Points (Driftwood Cove, #1) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
<b>MATCHING POINTS – A GREAT STORY OF FORGIVENESS, SECOND CHANCES, AND LEARNING TO OVERCOME YOUR PAST.</b>
This is my first time reading a book by Nancy J. Farrier but after reading this one I can tell you it will not be my last by her. I was drawn to read this book by the cover and description both were intriguing and made me want to read more.
<i>“She wanted to run, but she couldn’t. She had no place to go. Nowhere to call home. No one. You have Me.”</i>
This story about Asia and Ian was interesting and pushed all the right buttons for me. It was a story about Asia finding a place to call home and a way to overcome her tragic past; and about Ian learning that he is not defined by his earthly father, but by his heavenly one. I enjoyed Nancy J. Farrier’s take on the theme of forgiveness. Her interwoven plots, the family aspects, and the secondary characters really helped me feel like I was immersed in this story from the first page. I very much enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to what happens next to the other characters introduced in the story.
I highly recommend checking this book out if you like second chances, a hint of mystery, and a sense of family. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This is my first time reading a book by Nancy J. Farrier but after reading this one I can tell you it will not be my last by her. I was drawn to read this book by the cover and description both were intriguing and made me want to read more.
<i>“She wanted to run, but she couldn’t. She had no place to go. Nowhere to call home. No one. You have Me.”</i>
This story about Asia and Ian was interesting and pushed all the right buttons for me. It was a story about Asia finding a place to call home and a way to overcome her tragic past; and about Ian learning that he is not defined by his earthly father, but by his heavenly one. I enjoyed Nancy J. Farrier’s take on the theme of forgiveness. Her interwoven plots, the family aspects, and the secondary characters really helped me feel like I was immersed in this story from the first page. I very much enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to what happens next to the other characters introduced in the story.
I highly recommend checking this book out if you like second chances, a hint of mystery, and a sense of family. 5 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.