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Dana (24 KP) rated The Winner's Kiss in Books
Mar 23, 2018
So my rating for this is actually a 3.5 stars instead of a 4 stars, but I rounded up. Oh and there will be spoilers in this review, so you have been warned.
This was an okay ending for the series-it wasn't bad but it wasn't bad either.
The characters got whiny and I only understood some of their motivations for what they did. Kestrel and Arin were very angsty throughout the series, and they did not disappoint in this book either.
I understand Kestrel had to forget herself in the work camp to be able to survive the camp and to become a better person afterwards, but to me, it was kinda pointless. Yes, she gets to start a new relationship with Arin and everyone else, but it seemed like a cover for the story to be able to go on without as many hitches. She was still able to retain some of herself, but most of her memories were gone? That just didn't make much sense to me. With that, how would she remember how to play the games so well if her mind was gone? I'm pretty sure that war strategy doesn't stay with you longer than your core memories, but hey, that's just my opinion. Another convenient thing that came with Kestrel's memory loss was that some of the previous novels' subplots were not touched on because she couldn't remember them. Again, not really my favorite thing in the world when it comes to writing.
Because of these couple of things, I did see quite a few plot holes that were too big for me not to notice.
I liked Arin the tiger. I want a tiger friend because that would be awesome.
I also really liked the clever way Kestrel took down the emperor. That was a brilliant move and I was actually really worried for her when I was reading that part of the book.
Overall, it was paced quite well, it was a very quick read, but there were plot and characterization problems that kept me from absolutely loving it. I am glad that I finished reading this series and that I waited to be able to binge read them all in one summer, but it was also kind of a let down from what I had expected.
If you like books with interesting concepts, lands, and politics, definitely pick this series up because, like I said before, I didn't dislike it! Not by a long shot!
This was an okay ending for the series-it wasn't bad but it wasn't bad either.
The characters got whiny and I only understood some of their motivations for what they did. Kestrel and Arin were very angsty throughout the series, and they did not disappoint in this book either.
I understand Kestrel had to forget herself in the work camp to be able to survive the camp and to become a better person afterwards, but to me, it was kinda pointless. Yes, she gets to start a new relationship with Arin and everyone else, but it seemed like a cover for the story to be able to go on without as many hitches. She was still able to retain some of herself, but most of her memories were gone? That just didn't make much sense to me. With that, how would she remember how to play the games so well if her mind was gone? I'm pretty sure that war strategy doesn't stay with you longer than your core memories, but hey, that's just my opinion. Another convenient thing that came with Kestrel's memory loss was that some of the previous novels' subplots were not touched on because she couldn't remember them. Again, not really my favorite thing in the world when it comes to writing.
Because of these couple of things, I did see quite a few plot holes that were too big for me not to notice.
I liked Arin the tiger. I want a tiger friend because that would be awesome.
I also really liked the clever way Kestrel took down the emperor. That was a brilliant move and I was actually really worried for her when I was reading that part of the book.
Overall, it was paced quite well, it was a very quick read, but there were plot and characterization problems that kept me from absolutely loving it. I am glad that I finished reading this series and that I waited to be able to binge read them all in one summer, but it was also kind of a let down from what I had expected.
If you like books with interesting concepts, lands, and politics, definitely pick this series up because, like I said before, I didn't dislike it! Not by a long shot!
Debbiereadsbook (1839 KP) rated Mathos (The Hawks #3) in Books
Nov 21, 2021
loving this series so hard!
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
This is book 3 in The Hawks series, and you really MUST read books one, Tristan, and book 2, Val before this one. There is an on-going story arc across the series, that is not fully recapped. And you, cos I said so! I loved those books, and I loved this one too.
Mathos is a player, calls everyone darlin' and never spends more than one night with a woman. He's happy with his lot. So why then, does Lucilla push all his buttons and make him want things he never knew he wanted? She's a spoilt princess, and he just has to get her to the palace. Lucy, however, does not want to go. Her brother will kill her, and she's suffered enough. Finding out though, that Ballinor is dead and a far darker mind wishes to possess her, mean she has to trust Mathos, and his band of the Hawks.
I loved Mathos in the other books, and here he really does shine. Lucy (as Mathos begins to call her) shines also, but in an entirely different way.
Lucilla has been kept behind closed doors for so long, so she can't remember life before. Suffering at the hands of her brother and his cronies has been her life. She doesn't want to be controlled or coralled anywhere, but Mathos makes a good point. Getting to the palace will secure her future and mean she can make all the choices she wants. But Mathos creeps into her heart, and when he does what he does, you can feel how much Mathos means to her.
Mathos though, feels he does not deserve anyone, let alone a queen. No one can love him, if his own mother can't, surely? Walking away from Lucy and from his brothers was probably the hardest thing he ever did, but also the most stoopidest thing, EVER! But it's WHO that makes him see clearly for the first time in weeks that surprised me! Given as said someone has been missing since the first book, you'll understand why and I really pray that he gets some peace.
He's not next though! Tor is next and given whats said here, I'm intrigued as to what has happened between him and Keeley!
I'm loving this series, I really am! Please keep them coming, I still cannot see the bigger picture and what's going to happen!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in The Hawks series, and you really MUST read books one, Tristan, and book 2, Val before this one. There is an on-going story arc across the series, that is not fully recapped. And you, cos I said so! I loved those books, and I loved this one too.
Mathos is a player, calls everyone darlin' and never spends more than one night with a woman. He's happy with his lot. So why then, does Lucilla push all his buttons and make him want things he never knew he wanted? She's a spoilt princess, and he just has to get her to the palace. Lucy, however, does not want to go. Her brother will kill her, and she's suffered enough. Finding out though, that Ballinor is dead and a far darker mind wishes to possess her, mean she has to trust Mathos, and his band of the Hawks.
I loved Mathos in the other books, and here he really does shine. Lucy (as Mathos begins to call her) shines also, but in an entirely different way.
Lucilla has been kept behind closed doors for so long, so she can't remember life before. Suffering at the hands of her brother and his cronies has been her life. She doesn't want to be controlled or coralled anywhere, but Mathos makes a good point. Getting to the palace will secure her future and mean she can make all the choices she wants. But Mathos creeps into her heart, and when he does what he does, you can feel how much Mathos means to her.
Mathos though, feels he does not deserve anyone, let alone a queen. No one can love him, if his own mother can't, surely? Walking away from Lucy and from his brothers was probably the hardest thing he ever did, but also the most stoopidest thing, EVER! But it's WHO that makes him see clearly for the first time in weeks that surprised me! Given as said someone has been missing since the first book, you'll understand why and I really pray that he gets some peace.
He's not next though! Tor is next and given whats said here, I'm intrigued as to what has happened between him and Keeley!
I'm loving this series, I really am! Please keep them coming, I still cannot see the bigger picture and what's going to happen!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Susan (45 KP) rated Greenleaf - Season 1 in TV
Jul 4, 2017
Excellent casting (4 more)
Reveals the truth about families and the secrets they keep
Will grab u your attention from episode one and won't let you go til the end
All churches may not be like this one but we all know there's truth to this plot
Oprah plays a role like you've never seen her play and she doesn't disappoint
A Mega Church filled with sex, deep dark family secrets,and drama, drama, drama!
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was looking for a new show to binge watch when I came across this. When I saw that Oprah was part of the show I knew it would be something worth watching. I stayed up all night and the next day, unable to stop watching because I had to know what happened next. This show does not disappoint! It has everything a series needs to draw you in and keep you watching.. A family with money and a mega church with secrets that have been kept hidden for years...until their estranged daughter arrives intent on exposing the truth behind her sister's suicide. A house and church built on sex, murder, lies and scandal won't stand for long as the truth is revealed episode by episode. A must see series!
Merissa (14194 KP) rated My Hurricane in Books
Sep 7, 2017
My Hurricane by J.A. Owenby
My Hurricane is the short story of what Walker's life was like before he met Lacey. When we first meet him, he is still with Brittany and certainly not the person we know from the other books. However, things happen which change him, and we as the reader are with him every step of the way.
I loved how he changed from Mr Fly High Party Boy into someone to be relied upon, not only by his family but also the school. Now, I've already read the three full-length novels in The Truth series, so knowing what I know now only makes my heart ache for Walker even more.
Excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I found this book to be outstanding. Giving just enough for you to learn about Walker, whilst leaving you wanting more.
Get this novella, and then lose yourself in The Truth series. I can promise you won't regret it. Highly 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!
I loved how he changed from Mr Fly High Party Boy into someone to be relied upon, not only by his family but also the school. Now, I've already read the three full-length novels in The Truth series, so knowing what I know now only makes my heart ache for Walker even more.
Excellently written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, I found this book to be outstanding. Giving just enough for you to learn about Walker, whilst leaving you wanting more.
Get this novella, and then lose yourself in The Truth series. I can promise you won't regret it. Highly 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!
Merissa (14194 KP) rated Polar Nights (Under an Arctic Sky #1.5) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
This story is set in Svalbard where Andreas is in his last year of University to gain his Masters Degree in Geophysics. Until he is able to get into his dorm, he is due to stay with his step-mother's brother, Christian, which would be okay except Andreas has had a crush on Christian for years.
They are awkward with each other as they try to fight the attraction for a number of reasons, not the least being Christian's concern with how the family would see it and that both of them is afraid to say anything in case of rejection.
This is a gentle, sweet romance with a couple of sexy scenes in there that help you to feel the depth of love they have for each other. The supporting characters are all interesting and with their own stories that I would like to hear more about as the series continues.
There was only one editing issue that I found which was where the word sceptic had been used instead of sceptical. This certainly did not ruin my enjoyment and there was nothing more than that that I saw.
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely one to continue in the series.
This story is set in Svalbard where Andreas is in his last year of University to gain his Masters Degree in Geophysics. Until he is able to get into his dorm, he is due to stay with his step-mother's brother, Christian, which would be okay except Andreas has had a crush on Christian for years.
They are awkward with each other as they try to fight the attraction for a number of reasons, not the least being Christian's concern with how the family would see it and that both of them is afraid to say anything in case of rejection.
This is a gentle, sweet romance with a couple of sexy scenes in there that help you to feel the depth of love they have for each other. The supporting characters are all interesting and with their own stories that I would like to hear more about as the series continues.
There was only one editing issue that I found which was where the word sceptic had been used instead of sceptical. This certainly did not ruin my enjoyment and there was nothing more than that that I saw.
Thoroughly enjoyable and definitely one to continue in the series.
ClareR (6256 KP) rated Tudor Dawn: Henry Tudor is ready to take the crown (The Tudor Series Book 1) in Books
Jul 2, 2019
A really interesting history!
I really liked this - I’ve not read much about Henry Tudor, and everyone is always much more interested in Henry VIII and his promiscuous love life! Henry Tudor isn’t like his son at all. He may well have enjoyed the company of women, but David Field doesn’t play on that fact. I learnt so much about the history of Henry’s upbringing and subsequent escape into exile - and it is a vey male dominated book. We don’t see much of what his mother would have been doing, but we do learn about her hard work on his behalf.
I hadn’t realised that he’d been such a sickly child and that some of these problems followed him in to adulthood, or that he actually seemed to love his queen (although that may well be fictionalised - but I’d like to know!). This first book in the series takes up to Henry VII’s death. I think I will be reading the next in the series.
What I really liked about this book was that it’s more history than fiction. It’s not dry, academic type history though, and that’s what really drew me in.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy of this book to read and honestly review. I really enjoyed it.
I hadn’t realised that he’d been such a sickly child and that some of these problems followed him in to adulthood, or that he actually seemed to love his queen (although that may well be fictionalised - but I’d like to know!). This first book in the series takes up to Henry VII’s death. I think I will be reading the next in the series.
What I really liked about this book was that it’s more history than fiction. It’s not dry, academic type history though, and that’s what really drew me in.
Many thanks to Sapere Books for my copy of this book to read and honestly review. I really enjoyed it.
Star-Crossed (Cursed Hearts #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
Some rules are meant to be broken. Skye Giovanni has spent her entire life heeding the warning...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2662 KP) rated Blues in the Dark in Books
Apr 24, 2026 (Updated Apr 24, 2026)
Trying to Find a Kidnap Victim
It’s 1939, and Nate Ross’s latest client is Audrey Chase, one of the biggest movie stars. Her sister has been kidnapped, and the ransom demand is small. Audrey paid it, but her sister wasn’t returned as promised, and now she wants Nate to find her sister and return her safely. Given that this is Hollywood, Nate is wondering if this is more of a publicity stunt than a real crime, but the pay is good, so he takes the case. He quickly finds that, if he gets it wrong, this case will have deadly consequences. Can he figure out what is really going on?
This is another fun book in a series I always enjoy. It hues close to my impression of PI novels from the 1930’s. Nate and the few series regulars are fun, and the new characters did a good job of keeping me engaged. The plot included plenty of surprises, and I could not wait to get to the logical climax. While not focused on the studios of the era, I still felt like I was back in 1930’s Los Angeles. Now comes the wait for Nate’s next case.
This is another fun book in a series I always enjoy. It hues close to my impression of PI novels from the 1930’s. Nate and the few series regulars are fun, and the new characters did a good job of keeping me engaged. The plot included plenty of surprises, and I could not wait to get to the logical climax. While not focused on the studios of the era, I still felt like I was back in 1930’s Los Angeles. Now comes the wait for Nate’s next case.
Merissa (14194 KP) rated Darksider (Reveler #3) in Books
May 8, 2021 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
This story focuses on Harlen and Sera (short for Serafina). Sera has been having trouble sleeping for over a year as a stalker has been entering her dreams. She has been able to deal with it for so long but now exhaustion is catching up with her and she also sees her stalker in 'real' life. So she decides to call in Harlen, a man from her past who she used to travel in the Darkside with. Harlen still has feelings for her and is not impressed with her stubbornness in not contacting him straight away but puts that aside as he tries to help her.
Rook and Jordan, Coll and Maisie all make an appearance here as the overall story arc continues. Erin Kellison has managed to give Harlen and Sera a story as well as continuing with the others.
This is part of a series and as such, you will need to read the other books in order to get the benefit from them. However, this series is just getting better and better so I can definitely recommend you give them a try.
August 11, 2016
This story focuses on Harlen and Sera (short for Serafina). Sera has been having trouble sleeping for over a year as a stalker has been entering her dreams. She has been able to deal with it for so long but now exhaustion is catching up with her and she also sees her stalker in 'real' life. So she decides to call in Harlen, a man from her past who she used to travel in the Darkside with. Harlen still has feelings for her and is not impressed with her stubbornness in not contacting him straight away but puts that aside as he tries to help her.
Rook and Jordan, Coll and Maisie all make an appearance here as the overall story arc continues. Erin Kellison has managed to give Harlen and Sera a story as well as continuing with the others.
This is part of a series and as such, you will need to read the other books in order to get the benefit from them. However, this series is just getting better and better so I can definitely recommend you give them a try.
August 11, 2016
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Hellraiser: Deader (2005) in Movies
Apr 27, 2022
Not gonna lie, I spent a lot of this film completely zoned out, I was that bored. The seventh installment in the Hellraiser series has some decent ideas, and a few creepy moments here and there, but it's not enough to raise Deader above the extreme monotony presented. All of the dialogue is typical mid 00s edgelord tripe, and it's just all round difficult to focus on as a result.
It's not all bad - Kari Wuhwer is a likable enough protagonist, and the closing 5 minutes are gloriously Hellraiser-esque, but it's ultimately another sequel that feels like a completely different project with Pinhead thrown in at the last minute to sell more copies. Still more enjoyable that Hellseeker though. It's the little victories.
It's not all bad - Kari Wuhwer is a likable enough protagonist, and the closing 5 minutes are gloriously Hellraiser-esque, but it's ultimately another sequel that feels like a completely different project with Pinhead thrown in at the last minute to sell more copies. Still more enjoyable that Hellseeker though. It's the little victories.