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We Met in December
We Met in December
Rosie Curtis | 2019 | Contemporary, Romance
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonists of this novel are Jess and Alex, and the whole story is told from their perspectives. Jess moves to London from Bournemouth to pursue her dream of working in publishing. I really liked Jess, I liked her personality and her bravery to pursue something new in a completely different environment. I really liked listening to her thoughts about her family, friends, and of course, Alex. Alex left his well-paid job as a lawyer to qualify as a nurse because that’s what his heart wanted, costing him constant nagging from his family and losing his long-time girlfriend. He really annoyed me at times because he was very indecisive. He wanted one thing from life, but was acting completely differently. :/ I really liked all Jesse’s friends, they were so different and interesting to read about.

The events of one year, were described in this novel. It all starts in December, and I absolutely loved the way Rose Curtis described the atmosphere. She has a great eye for the picturesque views, and she really made me love London even more.
  
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Erika (17788 KP) rated The Gallows Pole in Books

Dec 2, 2020 (Updated Dec 2, 2020)  
The Gallows Pole
The Gallows Pole
Benjamin Myers | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the first book I got from my branch of the Austin Public Library when they opened up after quarantine. So, it'll always have a special place in my heart. The cover is super cool too.

I love historical fiction most of the time, and when I opened up this book, I was worried. It was written in the vernacular. It only took me about a chapter to get into it. The story is about clipping coins, which has always fascinated me. I live in a state that's very much 'stick it to the man', so I could relate to the attitude of the characters.

Obviously, it was predictable, and you knew how it had to end, it is based in historical fact, after all... and the title happens to be The Gallows Pole. The novel really benefits from the fact that the author moved to the area this took place in, and did all of his research there. It resulted in an amazing novel. I can't wait to read something else from this author.
  
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ClareR (5686 KP) Dec 3, 2020

I really need to read this - it has been sat on my bookshelf for AGES!!! 🤦🏼‍♀️

Christopher: A Tale of Seduction
Christopher: A Tale of Seduction
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Burnett's debut novel introduces us to us a most interesting protagonist - B. K. Troop - a heavy set, less than aesthetic, aging homosexual man who becomes obsessed with the title character. Christopher is young, handsome, naive and painfully straight. Despite the seemingly hopeless situation, B.K. believes that he can still turn the boy into a conquest by taking advantage of his delicate situation. Christopher is a freshly divorced English teacher who has run away from the pain of losing his ex and suffering his overbearing mother has put him through, in order to write his long suppressed novel. Burnett takes us on a bumpy ride as the relationship develops and changes throughout the year 1984. This character-driven story pulls the reader in, as we start out disgusted and then fascinated by the workings of B.K's mind and his less than savory tactics to reach his goal. Burnett uses the flamboyance of his narrator's personality to embellish his prose with quips and high-brow remarks, making it not only an intelligent read, but one that sparkles with wit and humor.
  
Frankenstein (1931)
Frankenstein (1931)
1931 | Horror
Iconic version of the novel by (it says here) 'Mrs Percy Shelley'; might even be definitive if the story was anything like the one in the book. The nature of the piece and its brief running time mean that characterisation and motivation take second place to atmosphere and incident: Henry Frankenstein wants to learn the secrets of life and death, and builds his own creature in the hope of bringing it to life. All does not go well.

Some parts of this film stand up remarkably well 90 years on: the sets, the direction, some of the performances (Karloff is obviously excellent, Colin Clive perhaps doesn't get the props he deserves); it's quite atmospheric. On the other hand, making the Creature mute removes any possibility of discourse between him and Frankenstein (which is really the heart of the novel) - this is a cautionary gothic melodrama without much interest in exploring the ideas that underpin Mary Shelley's work. Still, obviously, a massively influential movie, and well-done for what it is.
  
Waking The Watcher
Waking The Watcher
Kim Loraine | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow, what a read. I could not put this erotic supernatural book down. It’s fast paced, an easy read, there’s background on the MC’s, the story was very enjoyable, and I will definitely be rereading this after I read the rest of the series!

I got such Twilight Vibes while reading, but in a major adult way i.e. the erotic scenes. But the thing about this novel, is that it really isn’t erotic. It’s on the verge of being an erotic novel, but still is hanging onto it’s PG-13 romance roots. That could just be me also.

I loved how creative the author was with this story. Vampires unable to do the deed unless they have a Watcher inside of them lying dormant. And if that Watcher senses his mate, he goes crazy with control and trys to impregnate her. I was always fighting with who I actually shipped, but I will always be a Galen fan. That rugged sexy accent is all I need. 😋😘

“Galen, you have to let her go. You’re killing her.”