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Samantha (67 KP) rated Heir of Fire in Books
Jul 7, 2017
Rowan and Manon are new, interesting and valuable characters to this series (2 more)
Celaena's/ Elentiya's/ Aelin's development as a Fae and in trusting those around her
Further insight is provided in relation to Celaena's/ Elentiya's/ Aelin's past and the influence of these occurances
What should we be calling her?
This story was a brilliant addition to the 'Throne of Glass' series, showing immense growth in the main character whilst also introducing new characters and story lines to the mix. I found that it took a while to get into Manon's story line, although once I did it was a valuable addition to the story. The story line surrounding Chaol and Dorian seemed cloudy and trivial for a fair amount of the novel although still had its merits in relation to the story as a whole. Overall, the combination of story lines allowed for a story that provided constant engagement and intrigue throughout the novel.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Together Forever (Orphan Train, #2) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
This is definitely a book that you will not put down! The author has done her extensive research and has brought fiction and history together in an incredible novel. Jody Hedlund has a knack for developing the characters so that you can truly interact with them and feel the emotions and the empathy, that these agents must have felt. As the reader, I felt that I really bonded with the characters, I felt love for little Jethro and wanted to ease the fear of the other children. The author makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the story. This storyline also has a theme of love, forgiveness, restoration and letting the past go and being free to move on to the future. A truly enjoyable book!
This story was full of laughter, fun, romance, anticipation and mystery. It's a novel that everyone will enjoy.
I rate this one 5 stars.
This story was full of laughter, fun, romance, anticipation and mystery. It's a novel that everyone will enjoy.
I rate this one 5 stars.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Asymmetry in Books
Jan 17, 2018
Asymmetrical stories
Lisa Halliday's novel of three parts charts the relationship between an eccentric older writer Ezra Blazer, his young lover Alice, and then moves quickly to the story of an American Iraqi attempting to find his roots.
Individually, each story is captivating, Halliday's ability to bring humour with subtle behaviour is remarkable. Similarly, her research into Iraq is interesting - though at one point I did get confused as she mentions the Clinton administration's foreign policy role during the second Gulf War when it should be under George Bush. I'm unsure whether this is a typo or a genuine mistake or I'm wrong altogether.
While each part is well-written, and the first story is completed in the third part when Ezra's character becomes a guest on BBC's Desert Island Discs, it all feels rather disjointed. Perhaps this is why the novel is named Asymmetry as a result? We may never know.
Individually, each story is captivating, Halliday's ability to bring humour with subtle behaviour is remarkable. Similarly, her research into Iraq is interesting - though at one point I did get confused as she mentions the Clinton administration's foreign policy role during the second Gulf War when it should be under George Bush. I'm unsure whether this is a typo or a genuine mistake or I'm wrong altogether.
While each part is well-written, and the first story is completed in the third part when Ezra's character becomes a guest on BBC's Desert Island Discs, it all feels rather disjointed. Perhaps this is why the novel is named Asymmetry as a result? We may never know.
Autumn (3 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I scoffed at the author's note before the novel started. Of COURSE the characters and events are fictional. DUH. But i had to remind myself of that when i finished because Hazel and Augustus are my dear friends and my heroes. (and it's not because the "fought" cancer "bravely") Even as fictional characters -still don't actually, literally believe that- they left their scars upon me and I'm better for it. That's the whole point of literature, isn't it? That's the whole point of life: notice the universe but don't forget about the simple beauties in front of you. Like a fantastic novel.
SPOILER
I felt like Green put me in the shoes of Hazel in that he created a character that i fell in love with but tragically lost. In an infinite number of dimensions with an infinite number of outcomes, Augustus and Hazel live a long and happy life together. I refuse to believe anything less.
SPOILER
I felt like Green put me in the shoes of Hazel in that he created a character that i fell in love with but tragically lost. In an infinite number of dimensions with an infinite number of outcomes, Augustus and Hazel live a long and happy life together. I refuse to believe anything less.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To the Duke, with Love (The Rakes of St. James, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Despite being the second in the series, you dont need to read the first to enjoy this novel.
Overall, the novel wasnt terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.
I also wasnt a fan of the authors writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.
Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.
Overall, the novel wasnt terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.
I also wasnt a fan of the authors writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.
Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Lust is the Thorn in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second novel I have read from this author and I am not sure if I like her or not yet. Both stories feature tormented men with troubled past and the women who love them. I love a good romance about a man falling in love with his best friends sister, but there seemed to be a lot lacking from this novel. I felt that the only conflict was the characters own hang ups.
I did, however, enjoy the bad girl, good boy dynamic. I am so used to the man being the bad one that it was refreshing. Not to mention he was genuinely a good guy. I felt like they deserved each other and helped each other heal.
However, I didnt particularly care for the story line. There was nothing wrong with it or the authors writing. I just didnt care about the characters or their story.
This is the second novel I have read from this author and I am not sure if I like her or not yet. Both stories feature tormented men with troubled past and the women who love them. I love a good romance about a man falling in love with his best friends sister, but there seemed to be a lot lacking from this novel. I felt that the only conflict was the characters own hang ups.
I did, however, enjoy the bad girl, good boy dynamic. I am so used to the man being the bad one that it was refreshing. Not to mention he was genuinely a good guy. I felt like they deserved each other and helped each other heal.
However, I didnt particularly care for the story line. There was nothing wrong with it or the authors writing. I just didnt care about the characters or their story.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Fly You To The Moon (Stardust Erotic Romance Series #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to say this was a cute romance novella but the heroine was too frustrating. Actually, both leads were but male protagonists was more understandable. The couple fell in love but, due to their relationship, are not allowed to be together. However, they still act like they are together, e.i. jealousy, touching, etc. That was all fine and dandy, but the female lead was too childish for me. Not to mention she seemed to cry on nearly every page. I dont mind tears, they realistic. But this novel had too much.
Also for being the first in the series, there isnt much background information. While its not absolutely necessary, it would have been much appreciated.
The author created a interesting universe with realistic characters (even though they werent my favorites). It ends with a pretty hot scene, but is overall pretty tame.
I would like to say this was a cute romance novella but the heroine was too frustrating. Actually, both leads were but male protagonists was more understandable. The couple fell in love but, due to their relationship, are not allowed to be together. However, they still act like they are together, e.i. jealousy, touching, etc. That was all fine and dandy, but the female lead was too childish for me. Not to mention she seemed to cry on nearly every page. I dont mind tears, they realistic. But this novel had too much.
Also for being the first in the series, there isnt much background information. While its not absolutely necessary, it would have been much appreciated.
The author created a interesting universe with realistic characters (even though they werent my favorites). It ends with a pretty hot scene, but is overall pretty tame.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated When Passion Rules in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I had been wanting to read this novel since I first saw the cover before it was even released. I don't understand why the cover is so delectable, but it made this novel a must read for me.
I love Lindsey's Malory Series. It's on my top 10 series list in fact. I have read some of her other works but this is the first in a few years. The greatest thing about Lindsey is that she knows how to tell a story. From her style to the dialogue, from the plot and character development to the story itself, the woman has a gift.
However, I did not fall in love with it the way I expected myself to. I love historical romance, and Lindsey is the Queen of Historical Romance. Despite this, I was not wowed like I thought I would. I loved how Lindsey put a little murder mystery in it. The twist towards the end was interesting, though not wholly unexpected.
I love Lindsey's Malory Series. It's on my top 10 series list in fact. I have read some of her other works but this is the first in a few years. The greatest thing about Lindsey is that she knows how to tell a story. From her style to the dialogue, from the plot and character development to the story itself, the woman has a gift.
However, I did not fall in love with it the way I expected myself to. I love historical romance, and Lindsey is the Queen of Historical Romance. Despite this, I was not wowed like I thought I would. I loved how Lindsey put a little murder mystery in it. The twist towards the end was interesting, though not wholly unexpected.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Tin Man (Bliss, #1.5) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I probably should have read Bliss before this, but I didnt know Tin Man was the second in the series. It probably would have helped especially since there was so much going on. I love sci-fi but I tend to stay away from novels since it is so hard to translated sci-fi into words (and make them comprehendible). There was a lot going on in Tin Man and, while the author did a good job an explaining things, I still felt lost more than once. I loved the premise of this novel. Everything about was amazing. I became so engrossed that when the novel ended, I felt like a piece of me was left in the story. It was refreshing to read such a great LGBTQIA. I have been looking for novels like this, that arent so cookie cutter cut and dry LGBTQIA. I cant wait to read more.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated His Wicked Lady in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is definitely a novel you should not base on its cover. The cover makes it look medieval, the description makes it sound regency, but the actual story has a completely different than both of those.
There were a lot of pros and cons for me in this book. On one hand, I liked the strong females leads and the author tackling the subject domestic abuse. However, it felt awkward in unrealistic for the time frame that the author placed the story in. I also felt the dialogue was a bit out of place. Sometimes, authors modernize dialogue so it is more readable for the readers. I am not sure if thats what she was doing, but it didnt detract too much from the story. In fact, I quite enjoyed the lead couples bantering for the most part.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed the novel. It had some unrealistic factors that grated against my nerves, but I was invested in the HEA.
There were a lot of pros and cons for me in this book. On one hand, I liked the strong females leads and the author tackling the subject domestic abuse. However, it felt awkward in unrealistic for the time frame that the author placed the story in. I also felt the dialogue was a bit out of place. Sometimes, authors modernize dialogue so it is more readable for the readers. I am not sure if thats what she was doing, but it didnt detract too much from the story. In fact, I quite enjoyed the lead couples bantering for the most part.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed the novel. It had some unrealistic factors that grated against my nerves, but I was invested in the HEA.