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David McK (3692 KP) rated The Splintered Kingdom (The Bloody Aftermath of 1066, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The second 1066 book (as an aside: what do you call this series? 'The Bloody Aftermath of 1066' sounds too long for a series title!), this is set roughly a year after the events of the first, and so is circa 1070.
As the novel begin, Tancred a Dinant is now a Lord in his own right with lands and vassals of his own, along the Welsh border. It is not long, however, before he is summoned by his own liege Lord Robert Malet to help put down rebellion after rebellion, as the English counties continue to rise against the Norman occupiers (of which Tancred is one), leading to his involvement in the infamous 'harrying of the North' by the end of the story.
Just as strong and enjoyable as the first entry!
As the novel begin, Tancred a Dinant is now a Lord in his own right with lands and vassals of his own, along the Welsh border. It is not long, however, before he is summoned by his own liege Lord Robert Malet to help put down rebellion after rebellion, as the English counties continue to rise against the Norman occupiers (of which Tancred is one), leading to his involvement in the infamous 'harrying of the North' by the end of the story.
Just as strong and enjoyable as the first entry!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Secret Hour (Midnighters, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
First off, I like my paranormal books to also have a little romance in them and this, apart from a kiss or two, had no romance.
Second. I had no idea what this sERIES would be about when I bought the trilogy as the synopsis was a little vague.
So, I have to admit that I did like it...just not really enough to continue the series.
To me, it seemed that they went through a lot of crap for nothing. To go to where the weird black things come from just to find out what power Jess had, and then to realise that you don't know what it is anyway?? Riiiight... :/
I don't think I'll be continuing it as it just isn't really my sort of thing, I'm afraid.
Second. I had no idea what this sERIES would be about when I bought the trilogy as the synopsis was a little vague.
So, I have to admit that I did like it...just not really enough to continue the series.
To me, it seemed that they went through a lot of crap for nothing. To go to where the weird black things come from just to find out what power Jess had, and then to realise that you don't know what it is anyway?? Riiiight... :/
I don't think I'll be continuing it as it just isn't really my sort of thing, I'm afraid.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Perfect Scoundrels (Heist Society, #3) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
4.5 stars.
These kids and just the whole "family" Kat has are amazing. Geniuses!
Not my favourite book in the series, since they didn't steal a painting or a jewel or anything as valuable or famous, but just the ability to come out on top and pull off the impossible (as usual!) has given it that flair (and me, a huge smile).
I've been reading some reviews on Goodreads and it seems people thought this was going to be a trilogy but after reading this I've realised there are still a few unanswered questions floating about so I hope the author will write another story in which we find out Hale's first names and the identity of Visily Romani.
I may also have to try the authors Gallagher Girls series too!
These kids and just the whole "family" Kat has are amazing. Geniuses!
Not my favourite book in the series, since they didn't steal a painting or a jewel or anything as valuable or famous, but just the ability to come out on top and pull off the impossible (as usual!) has given it that flair (and me, a huge smile).
I've been reading some reviews on Goodreads and it seems people thought this was going to be a trilogy but after reading this I've realised there are still a few unanswered questions floating about so I hope the author will write another story in which we find out Hale's first names and the identity of Visily Romani.
I may also have to try the authors Gallagher Girls series too!
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Smith's Corner: Alora & Ash (The Heartwood Series #3) in Books
Jan 14, 2022
Oh, my heart!
Book three in the Heartwood series managed to smack me right in the feels!
Each character had their own reasons for their actions and was strong enough to own that. As with all good romance though things don't run smoothly into wedded bliss. Secrets that can't be hidden any longer, disappointment and hurt that needs addressing and trust needs to been earned.
This is a brilliant edition to the Heartwood series and I love the whole family aspect that is always present. The depth of love and loyalty that spills out and encompasses, not only the brothers, but their chose partner is always heart-fluttering to witness.
As always, this is an adult read that deserves chocolate and a cheeky drink while snuggled up on the sofa!
Book three in the Heartwood series managed to smack me right in the feels!
Each character had their own reasons for their actions and was strong enough to own that. As with all good romance though things don't run smoothly into wedded bliss. Secrets that can't be hidden any longer, disappointment and hurt that needs addressing and trust needs to been earned.
This is a brilliant edition to the Heartwood series and I love the whole family aspect that is always present. The depth of love and loyalty that spills out and encompasses, not only the brothers, but their chose partner is always heart-fluttering to witness.
As always, this is an adult read that deserves chocolate and a cheeky drink while snuggled up on the sofa!
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated For Better or For Worse (Deathly Beloved #2) in Books
Oct 28, 2022
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is the second book in the Deathly Beloved series and I absolutely love it! There are so many emotions whirling around that I felt like I was on a roller coaster.
I have fallen in love with the main characters. I really hope that Richard and Arienna have a smooth-ish ride from here on out (probably not too smooth as she does enjoy her punishments!) I also highly hope Jace gets the love he deserves and can work through his feelings that he has bottled up inside!
I really can't rate this series high enough. Miranda is a fantastic writer in whatever she turns her hand to!
I'm ready for the next one Miranda!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
This is the second book in the Deathly Beloved series and I absolutely love it! There are so many emotions whirling around that I felt like I was on a roller coaster.
I have fallen in love with the main characters. I really hope that Richard and Arienna have a smooth-ish ride from here on out (probably not too smooth as she does enjoy her punishments!) I also highly hope Jace gets the love he deserves and can work through his feelings that he has bottled up inside!
I really can't rate this series high enough. Miranda is a fantastic writer in whatever she turns her hand to!
I'm ready for the next one Miranda!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Serial in Podcasts
Jan 4, 2018 (Updated Jan 4, 2018)
Gripping first series, second underwhelming
Serial is one of those high-trending true crime phenomena, gripping a nation similar to the likes of @Making A Murderer - Season 1. The first series follows the murder case of a young student Hae Min Lee, allegedly killed by her former boyfriend Adnan Syed and the apparent failings in the investigation. Is he guilty or innocent? Journalist Sarah Koenig tries to retrace the steps of both Adnan and other suspects to get to the bottom of this disturbing story in 12 episodes.
The first series is well-made, each episode carefully crafted to leave you on a cliffhanger. It is easy to binge-listen, but like MAM, there are parts that have been omitted from the case, so not all is what it actually seems. Either way, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
The second series, unfortunately, is an entirely different ballgame. Unlike its true crime predecessor, Koenig looks at the infamous case of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, a US soldier who allegedly defected and was subsequently captured by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The series focuses on his perception and experiences, and eventual vilification, as his release caused much political controversy over whether a deal should have been negotiated or not. The price of his freedom was an exchange for five Taliban-linked inmates held at maximum security prison Guantanamo Bay. The reason he says, for his defection, was that he attempted to become a whistleblower for the apparently mismanaged unit he belonged to.
Sadly, as with most popular media, the change in direction with the podcast came at a price, as many felt the subject was too dry and too heavy. With dense military language, it seem to become too bogged down with the details, losing its edge.
It's not a perfect podcast, but the first series is still worth the listen.
The first series is well-made, each episode carefully crafted to leave you on a cliffhanger. It is easy to binge-listen, but like MAM, there are parts that have been omitted from the case, so not all is what it actually seems. Either way, I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
The second series, unfortunately, is an entirely different ballgame. Unlike its true crime predecessor, Koenig looks at the infamous case of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, a US soldier who allegedly defected and was subsequently captured by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. The series focuses on his perception and experiences, and eventual vilification, as his release caused much political controversy over whether a deal should have been negotiated or not. The price of his freedom was an exchange for five Taliban-linked inmates held at maximum security prison Guantanamo Bay. The reason he says, for his defection, was that he attempted to become a whistleblower for the apparently mismanaged unit he belonged to.
Sadly, as with most popular media, the change in direction with the podcast came at a price, as many felt the subject was too dry and too heavy. With dense military language, it seem to become too bogged down with the details, losing its edge.
It's not a perfect podcast, but the first series is still worth the listen.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Summer Flash Burn (Worthington Investigations, #2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
This was an interesting story!
I love the cover of this book. It becomes more intriguing the longer I look at it. Summer Flash Burn is the second book in Erin Unger’s Worthington Agency series. The stories (so far) follow a group of friends in a detective agency, kind of reminds me of Charles Angels . I had not read the first book in the series before this one. I would definitely say this book can be read as a stand-alone, it does make reference to the first book but not in a way that makes you feel lost.
Based on the description I thought I knew what I was getting in to with this book. However, it took me on some unique twists and turns leading to an ending that was a good surprise. The main characters Christopher and Shauna deal with issues of self-worth, body image, grief, decision making, reliance on God… So many different emotions in this book. They all flow together quite seamlessly to make a good storyline. I loved Shauna’s military backround and her struggles with civilian life, they made her really come to life. I also liked how Christopher worked for the railroad! I have never met anyone who does that. The only thing I didn’t particularly care for was that the characters seemed to be overdramatized in their reactions to the things that happen. Otherwise, it was a fun read and I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series. Thank you, Erin Unger, for being another new to me author .
I love the cover of this book. It becomes more intriguing the longer I look at it. Summer Flash Burn is the second book in Erin Unger’s Worthington Agency series. The stories (so far) follow a group of friends in a detective agency, kind of reminds me of Charles Angels . I had not read the first book in the series before this one. I would definitely say this book can be read as a stand-alone, it does make reference to the first book but not in a way that makes you feel lost.
Based on the description I thought I knew what I was getting in to with this book. However, it took me on some unique twists and turns leading to an ending that was a good surprise. The main characters Christopher and Shauna deal with issues of self-worth, body image, grief, decision making, reliance on God… So many different emotions in this book. They all flow together quite seamlessly to make a good storyline. I loved Shauna’s military backround and her struggles with civilian life, they made her really come to life. I also liked how Christopher worked for the railroad! I have never met anyone who does that. The only thing I didn’t particularly care for was that the characters seemed to be overdramatized in their reactions to the things that happen. Otherwise, it was a fun read and I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series. Thank you, Erin Unger, for being another new to me author .
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2474 KP) rated Chocolate Cream Pie Murder in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Chocolate Pies and Lies
Valentine’s Day is coming, and The Cookie Jar is getting ready to cater various Valentine’s Parties with new treats. Hannah Swensen is throwing herself into this baking in order to not think about the news she’s gotten that Ross was already married, so their wedding was all a lie. She has told the town of Lake Eden in an effort to curb gossip, and all of her friends are with her. Which is why Ross sneaks back into town in the early hours of the morning demanding something from Hannah – something she might not be able to give him. What will happen if she can’t?
As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve been expecting this book for several books now. The murder itself takes place late in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There were some other plot elements I was enjoying, so I wasn’t bored, however, I wish things hadn’t been left dangling quite so much until the next book in the series. We get plenty of talk about food as always, with twenty-eight new recipes by my count. It is always nice to catch up with these characters, at least for this fan of the series. If you have been a fan, you’ll want the next chapter in Hannah’s saga, but if you are new, don’t jump in here.
As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve been expecting this book for several books now. The murder itself takes place late in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There were some other plot elements I was enjoying, so I wasn’t bored, however, I wish things hadn’t been left dangling quite so much until the next book in the series. We get plenty of talk about food as always, with twenty-eight new recipes by my count. It is always nice to catch up with these characters, at least for this fan of the series. If you have been a fan, you’ll want the next chapter in Hannah’s saga, but if you are new, don’t jump in here.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Line of Duty - Season 3 in TV
May 12, 2019
Another excellent series
I’m starting to feel like a broken record reviewing Line of Duty, but it really is a highly entertaining and gripping show, and is showing now signs of slowing down.
Without going into spoiler territory, this series (despite not being the last) very much wraps up a number of outstanding storylines carried over from the first to series and it does so in a very satisfying way. A lot of shows would be willing to drag these out but not Line of Duty. Instead they’ve brought all of these storylines to a head in a thrilling and action packed manner. I won’t lie, the storyline was maybe a bit predictable in parts as we as the viewers always know more than the characters themselves, but this didn’t really matter that much as it was just good to enjoy the ride. I do like how the plot also tied into relevant historic cases that are current in the UK at the moment, made it a lot more realistic! My only criticism really is that Daniel May was brilliant, but perhaps a little underused but then when you see how the story pans out, it’s understandable. There are a lot of nasty and unlikeable characters in this, and it’s nice to see them get their comeuppance.
Without going into spoiler territory, this series (despite not being the last) very much wraps up a number of outstanding storylines carried over from the first to series and it does so in a very satisfying way. A lot of shows would be willing to drag these out but not Line of Duty. Instead they’ve brought all of these storylines to a head in a thrilling and action packed manner. I won’t lie, the storyline was maybe a bit predictable in parts as we as the viewers always know more than the characters themselves, but this didn’t really matter that much as it was just good to enjoy the ride. I do like how the plot also tied into relevant historic cases that are current in the UK at the moment, made it a lot more realistic! My only criticism really is that Daniel May was brilliant, but perhaps a little underused but then when you see how the story pans out, it’s understandable. There are a lot of nasty and unlikeable characters in this, and it’s nice to see them get their comeuppance.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Bootyversary in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Peyton and Lance are about to celebrate their one year Bootyversary. They have been making booty calls for the past year. With Lance in the military and shipping out every few weeks, it's hard for them to make a plan to be together. Plus, Peyton doesn't want to be with a man in the military. That was how she grew up and she didn't want to have to go through all the worry her mom went through every time her father was away. But they love each other, right? Will love conquer all?
Thank you to the authors and BookSprout for a copy of this book to read and review.
Another quick cute story from Frankie and C.M. For me, this one wasn't as exciting as the first book in the series Bootyogomy (The Booty Call Series #1) by Frankie Love. I think it was because I knew what was going to happen at the end. I still enjoyed the book and will read the rest of the series.
I never had the desire to date anyone in the military. Not for the same reasons as Peyton, but because I knew a few people in the military growing up and there were not my cup of tea. If you're looking for a quick steamy romance with a HEA, pick this one up.
Thank you to the authors and BookSprout for a copy of this book to read and review.
Another quick cute story from Frankie and C.M. For me, this one wasn't as exciting as the first book in the series Bootyogomy (The Booty Call Series #1) by Frankie Love. I think it was because I knew what was going to happen at the end. I still enjoyed the book and will read the rest of the series.
I never had the desire to date anyone in the military. Not for the same reasons as Peyton, but because I knew a few people in the military growing up and there were not my cup of tea. If you're looking for a quick steamy romance with a HEA, pick this one up.