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BookInspector (124 KP) rated 44 Tiny Secrets in Books

Sep 24, 2020 (Updated Jan 26, 2021)  
44 Tiny Secrets
44 Tiny Secrets
Sylvia Bishop | 2020 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonist in this book is Betsy, and this book is told from a single perspective. Betsy’s parents are very well known pianists, hoping that Betsy inherited their talent but no matter how much she tries, she can not play the piano well. I feel very sorry for Betsy, she is so eager to please her parents, and she stresses out so much when she fails. 😦 I really didn’t like Betsy’s mother, she seems heartless and blind, seeking a trophy child rather than a real child with its fears and flaws.

The narrative feels pretty slow, to be honest. I think the whole idea was not fully utilised. The book concentrated more on pleasing and inner thoughts, missing what children really like, funny situations, the more of them, the better. 😀 That is why this book has a little depressing atmosphere.

The writing style was enjoyable, and I liked the way the book was designed. It is quite spaced out, and the colourful illustrations are superb. The chapters were too long for my liking and I did feel a little bored. The ending rounded the story nicely, but I hope in the next part of series there will be more surprises and adventures.

So, to conclude, it is a story about a wish to please and impress. Some of the characters annoyed me with their high expectations, but sometimes that is what adults do to children not even realising it. I liked what this story has to offer, but I was expecting more… But it is only my humble opinion, please do give this book a go, and I hope you will like it more.
  
Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4)
Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4)
Melissa Foster | 2018 | Contemporary, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Brett is the fourth book in the Bad Boys After Dark series, but you can read it as a standalone (as I did), and you won't get lost. The other brothers play a big part in Brett's story, but not enough that you are lost with who is with whom. Brett and Sophie have known each other for a while, as Sophie works for Brett's brother. Since a wedding they both attended, Brett can't get her out of his mind. He is worried though, as he knows Sophie is not looking for just one night, but a long-term relationship. Due to circumstances in his past, Brett is slightly phobic about commitment but decides he needs to take a chance with Sophie.

This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).

There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
  
Shadow Walker (Bloody Hearts #1)
Shadow Walker (Bloody Hearts #1)
Anya J. Cosgrove | 2019 | Paranormal, Romance
8
7.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series, and we start off with a young girl celebrating her 20th birthday. The boy she has had her eye on comes to her party with his grumpy brother but leaves not long after midnight. Alana's life changes dramatically within a short period of time, and she copes with it well, whilst still throwing hissy fits at regular intervals. Not that I blame her, I'm just saying!

Now, be warned, although this is a slow-burn romance, there IS a love triangle involved, and it's between two brothers. Obviously, I have my favourite over which one I think she should be with, but it wouldn't be the first time the story has changed and twisted in later books. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, and with the amount of angst in this book, I feel there is enough to continue with a meaty storyline WITHOUT having a love triangle thrown into the mix. I am hoping it will be resolved in the next book, so we can concentrate on Alana's abilities and the Walkers.

Written in the first person, from multiple perspectives, you are kept on your toes as the story develops. The pacing is smooth, the characters well-developed, and the world-building is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to continuing to the next one to find out what happens next. 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!
Jan 23, 2019
  
Hot Conduit (Hot Under the Collar #2)
Hot Conduit (Hot Under the Collar #2)
Katherine McIntyre | 2024 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
so steamy once they decide to act on their attraction!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author.

This is book 2 in the Hot Under the Collar series, and it can totally be read as a stand alone. HOWEVER, I loved book 1, Sweat Connection, like LOVED IT, so I strongly recommend you read that book as well. Not necessary, but my personal opinion.

Taken from the review I wrote for book one:

I'm not rehashing the blurb, and I'm not telling you the story, I'ma just gonna jump straight in!

READ THIS FREAKING BOOK, PEOPLE!

Again, I'm jumping straight in, cos I bloody loved this book!

Theo and Lex have chemistry, right from the start, but the major dislike for each other takes centre stage for a time. Once they click on the app, all bets are off.

I loved that Lex, once he knew about them, made an effort to ease Theo's issues with germs. Like he took wet wipes for Theo to clean the table at the diner. I loved those little things he did.

There is steam here, so much steam. Once they decide to act of the attraction, it flies hawt off the charts! But emotional too. Theo is dealing with his past exes, and Lex had his heart broken. But they get there, they really do.

I loved the goat yoga! I could see that happening, it was so much fun!

I loved book one, and I loved this one too. I can't wait for book 3!

5 full and shiny stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Hunt In The Night (Blood and Bonds #3)
Hunt In The Night (Blood and Bonds #3)
S.J. Coles | 2024 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Saved the best for last!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Blood and Bonds series and you really MUST read book 1, Touch in The Night and book 2, Bleed in The Night. It is a continuation of the ongoing story arc, and much is NOT recapped.

Book three has to be my favourite!

This book follows Mason, the police detective tasked with finding out who is killing haemophiles and humans, and more importantly, WHY. He is joined by Cai, a former police dective who wa turned against his will. There is some clashing at first, but Mason finds himself attracted to Cai and he is straight, right?

So, book three. It wraps up everything that has been happening, with a big fat bow. BUT! I did NOT see that coming at me, not at all! I had it all worked out, who was doing all this and why. Then, I'm thrown for a loop as to who turned Cai those ten years ago, and it appears the bad guy was playing the long game.

THEN! There was another thing thrown at me that I did not see coming as well! I mean for the most part, this book kinda threw me, but in the best way!

Again, the book is told only from Mason's point of view but I knew it would be, so I was prepared.

I'm being deliberately vague, I know but I don't want to give you spoilers.

We get, eventually, a wonderful wedding of Jesse and Emory (from book 1) and there is a return of Tyler and Lucien (book 2) for said wedding. So it was nice to catch up with them.

But the best bit?? The epilogues! Told from Emory, Lucien and Cai's points of view. While I would have LOVED to hear from them in their respective books, getting this little glimpse into the minds of the haemophiles was the best thing! We get the fear of these guys, at falling for a human, and the joy they feel at finally admitting they needed someone in their lives. I loved it because it was so unexpected! This is not a spoiler thing, either, cos other reviews have mentioned it already, and I NEEDED to say how much I loved getting into THEIR heads, just for this little bit.

I cannot fault this one, I really can't so...

5 full and shiny stars!

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Richard Herring's Edinburgh Fringe Podcast
Richard Herring's Edinburgh Fringe Podcast
Comedy
10
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Podcast Rating
The frequency adds added comedy (0 more)
Herring's holiday podcast, which he has at times recorded while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, is an Edinburgh version of his successful Leicester Square Theatre podcast. Guests from the world of theatre and comedy, all performing at the Fringe range from big names to new starters, and all are given the same grilling.
There is more of a fun feeling to this podcast, mainly due to Herring having to record one each day, the pressure mounting and the preparation reducing over the series to hilarious outcomes.
I watched one of the recordings live but the guest was poor and it was not the best episode.
  
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Scott (2 KP) rated The Big Bang Theory in TV

Mar 12, 2019  
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory
2007 | Comedy
Writing is usually pretty good with a knack for not going too overboard with cheesiness. (0 more)
Sometimes, the stories can be a bit thin, especially in seasons 7 and 8. (0 more)
Good show with a great ensemble
This is another Chuck Lorre gem that is great on many levels. It appeals to the geeky nerds, portraying them in a very positive light. It appeals to regular sitcom viewers as well as those looking for growth in characters. It can be a touch transparent at times but overall is a good series to watch that will make you both laugh and give you understanding and insight into the nerd subculture.
  
TF
The Future Door
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second in a kid's mystery series that combines steampunk and Sherlock Holmes. Griffin and his uncle have raced home to see what has happened to his parents only to almost be killed as soon as they've arrived. Why? The answer lies back in London and may lead to the end of the world as we know it. I was enjoy this book despite some over writing until I hit the climax which was a cheap way to end things. Not a bad book, but a disappointing finish.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-future-door-by-jason.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Purr M for Murder (Cat Rescue Mystery, #1)
Purr M for Murder (Cat Rescue Mystery, #1)
T.C. LoTempio | 2017 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sydney returns home to North Carolina to help plan an even intended to keep the animal shelter where her sister Kat works afloat. A local bully threatens to do whatever it takes to stop the event, and Kat yells at him that it will be the last thing he will ever do. Since he is found dead not long after, Kat becomes suspect number one, and Sydney goes to work to prove her sister’s innocence. This well-paced mystery kept me in the dark right up to the end. Purr M for MURDER is the first in what looks to be a great new series.
  
Ms. Marvel: Volume 2: Generation Why
Ms. Marvel: Volume 2: Generation Why
G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, Jacob Wyatt | 2015 | Comics & Graphic Novels
6
7.4 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Unbelievable!
So just a quick recap, this series is all about Kamala Khan, a Muslim teenager from Jersey city. She goes through everything a teenager with strict parents go through, worrying about curfew and what would happen if your parents found out you were a mask-wearing, cape-flying superhero with powers. The concept is original and I loved that there was a very unique protagonist with a relatable storyline so I was really excited to find out about the next adventure Kamala would embark on.

Unfortunately, I was not impressed.

Continue reading my review at: https://www.readsandrecipes.co.uk/2018/01/title-ms-marvel-generation-why-author-g.html