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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Our Kind of Cruelty: A Novel in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Our Kind of Cruelty by Araminta Hall is a domestic thriller and courtroom drama like no other! I’ve never read one quite like it. Not only do we have a male narrator named Mike, and see things from his point of view, we’re also dealing with other issues of autism and passionate obsessions, too. Until recently, Mike and his girlfriend Verity ( V as he likes to call her) have played a dangerous, sexual game called ‘Crave’, for years. But when they break up obsessed Mike still believes V is playing the game and will come back to him, despite V telling him she’s getting married to someone else and inviting him to the wedding. Nothing deters single-minded, Mike from his expected outcome.
The book begins like any other but it wasn’t long before I felt sorry for Mike, even though I knew he was a nasty piece of work. Why? I found the reason I sympathised with him was in the details. The way the author, Araminta Hall, portrayed Mike’s years as he talked about life as a kid; the things he refused to do, or accept, because his thinking was always logical and he didn’t understand why no one else could see things the way he did. Why say sorry when you don’t mean it? Why say you could kill someone and not do it?
As an adult Mike’s learnt to fit in with the world and act as society expects. To a certain degree. But it doesn’t mean he has to like it, or find it easy to do. He’s also one for keeping himself in check with routines of which he thrives on. Clearly, when you get to the end you’ll realise Mike’s attitude plays a massive part of the final twist.
I really enjoyed this book and its flawed characters. Although it’s not particularly fast-paced to start with, the journey fascinated me. Our Kind of Cruelty is about obsessive love, unhealthy relationships, and the psychology of the human mind. Details. It’s all in the details.
#WhatsYourVerdict? My verdict would give the whole twist away… This would translate well to film.
The book begins like any other but it wasn’t long before I felt sorry for Mike, even though I knew he was a nasty piece of work. Why? I found the reason I sympathised with him was in the details. The way the author, Araminta Hall, portrayed Mike’s years as he talked about life as a kid; the things he refused to do, or accept, because his thinking was always logical and he didn’t understand why no one else could see things the way he did. Why say sorry when you don’t mean it? Why say you could kill someone and not do it?
As an adult Mike’s learnt to fit in with the world and act as society expects. To a certain degree. But it doesn’t mean he has to like it, or find it easy to do. He’s also one for keeping himself in check with routines of which he thrives on. Clearly, when you get to the end you’ll realise Mike’s attitude plays a massive part of the final twist.
I really enjoyed this book and its flawed characters. Although it’s not particularly fast-paced to start with, the journey fascinated me. Our Kind of Cruelty is about obsessive love, unhealthy relationships, and the psychology of the human mind. Details. It’s all in the details.
#WhatsYourVerdict? My verdict would give the whole twist away… This would translate well to film.
Hannah May (3 KP) rated Spitfire Girl in Books
Mar 8, 2018
What I liked most about this novel is the characterisation. Each character, whether they be good or horrid, was entertaining and inspiring in their own way. I thorough enjoyed reading the story from Susan's perceptive and reading through her struggles and her triumphs. I liked the characters of Tony and Roz in particular. Tony has that tender loving air about him that readers like me enjoy and I was very happy to learn he survived. I had my doubts throughout; thinking it would end sadly. Roz was an interesting character. She is the polar opposite to Susan. She is passionate and opinionated, and she always knows what and who she wants. Qualities like that should always be admired. I was let down slightly by the lack of flying or any mention of flying until page 300+. And despite her desperate desire to fly, Susan seemed quite adamant to stay on the ground and play servant with everyone she meets. I expected her to put up more of a fight, if I'm honest. Much of the actions happens near the end of the novel. While it was good to read, it felt a bit rushed and there wasn't much detailed description about any of the aircraft Susan flew, which I really would have liked to seen and read. Another thing I disliked about this story was the fact that, despite Susan's good intentions, she always always got punished for it. She safely lands a plane, saving both her life and Elspeth's. She's deemed a security risk and is sacked. She rescues Charlie from being put to sleep. She tries to expose Dudley for the creep that he is. Mrs Kemp kicks her out. She's forced out of Daves home, because some cranky old woman doesn't approve of her or her dog. She loses her jobs and her homes over stupid, little things. That just doesn't happen nowadays. You get warnings. You learn from your mistakes. Employers move on. I understand it is under very different and difficult circumstances, being during WWII, but still. Slightly dramatised I think. Overall, a good read but would have benefited by more mention of spitfires!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated How to Find a Princess in Books
Jul 15, 2021
A repetitive and lackluster romance
Makeda Hicks loses her job and her girlfriend in the same day. Reeling, she's forced to move back with her grandmother and help out at her bed and breakfast. Being back with Grandmore means hearing more about when Grandmore supposedly had a passionate affair with the Prince of Ibarania--leading to Makeda's mother. Makeda has no patience for this story, as her mother's obsession with being a Princess dominated Makeda's entire childhood. When it never panned out, she disconnected from life (and Makeda), receding into alcoholism and forcing Makeda to grow up fast. When Beznaria Chetchevaliere, an investigator for the World Federation of Monarchies shows up at the B&B, claiming to be looking for Ibarania's missing heir, Makeda wants nothing to do with it. But the beautiful and chaotic investigator is surprisingly persuasive. Can she convince Makeda to go with her--and is Makeda indeed the heir to Ibarania?
"No adventures, no drama, and always there to lend a helping hand, even when her hands were full, that was Makeda."
This was one of my #Pride reads for June, and it sounded so cute. There were definitely funny and enjoyable moments, and I'm always glad to see queer romances in the world, but overall, this one didn't really work for me. I am a sucker for a good Hallmark movie, but even I couldn't get into this crazy idea--an unhinged royal investigator, a reluctant heir... and eventually a lot of fakedating and a cargo ship. It was all too much.
It's hard to believe the instachemistry between Bez and Makeda, especially as we do not get a lot of backstory on the two women. Makeda's "will I go with Bez or won't I" takes an inordinately long time--it was incredibly frustrating. Just decide already! Things are repeated over and over, making the story feel inordinately long. Being unable to get into the characters or their romance, it was just hard to really love this one. The pacing and timing always seemed off. I wound up skimming the last half just to find out what would happen, otherwise it would have been a DNF. 2 stars.
"No adventures, no drama, and always there to lend a helping hand, even when her hands were full, that was Makeda."
This was one of my #Pride reads for June, and it sounded so cute. There were definitely funny and enjoyable moments, and I'm always glad to see queer romances in the world, but overall, this one didn't really work for me. I am a sucker for a good Hallmark movie, but even I couldn't get into this crazy idea--an unhinged royal investigator, a reluctant heir... and eventually a lot of fakedating and a cargo ship. It was all too much.
It's hard to believe the instachemistry between Bez and Makeda, especially as we do not get a lot of backstory on the two women. Makeda's "will I go with Bez or won't I" takes an inordinately long time--it was incredibly frustrating. Just decide already! Things are repeated over and over, making the story feel inordinately long. Being unable to get into the characters or their romance, it was just hard to really love this one. The pacing and timing always seemed off. I wound up skimming the last half just to find out what would happen, otherwise it would have been a DNF. 2 stars.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Darkest Promise (Lords of the Underworld, #13) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
So I've recently read The Darkest Torment and back in May I read The Darkest Touch, both of which have led to Cameo and Lazarus' story - and I'll admit I am looking forward to reading this one because they have shared some steamy scenes before.
This starts with Cameo using the artefacts to head back to Lazarus in his realm after having snippets of memory of a man that she craved but unable to remember him thanks to her demon. She only knows it was Lazarus thanks to conversations she's had with her friends. She literally falls from the sky and destroys a few organs as she lands on the ground, leaving her in agony until she heals. She eventually manages to get to her feet and wanders the land until she finds Lazarus' kingdom.
I read the first hundred pages in one sitting, I was getting that pulled into this. I was intrigued by their relationship and how they could be together when her demon would never allow her any joy and when her closeness was heralding his death. Their relationship was passionate and Lazarus seemed to know a lot about her and her demon, knowing how to overcome the sadness it always made her feel. He himself, was a bit of a mystery. We knew very little about him but that changed as the book progressed.
I did enjoy this. All the gang are included in this again and I loved seeing their closeness once more. There is one scene that had me smiling like an idiot: a mud fight. Lazarus starts it with Cameo but before long everyone is joining in and it made me a little warm and fuzzy to see all these warriors having fun with their females.
I did feel like something was missing, though. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would when I started this. I even skipped a lot of the sex scenes towards the end, they just weren't working for me anymore.
I do have book 14 to read, Gilly and Puck's story, but I think I'm going to give this series a little break for now.
This starts with Cameo using the artefacts to head back to Lazarus in his realm after having snippets of memory of a man that she craved but unable to remember him thanks to her demon. She only knows it was Lazarus thanks to conversations she's had with her friends. She literally falls from the sky and destroys a few organs as she lands on the ground, leaving her in agony until she heals. She eventually manages to get to her feet and wanders the land until she finds Lazarus' kingdom.
I read the first hundred pages in one sitting, I was getting that pulled into this. I was intrigued by their relationship and how they could be together when her demon would never allow her any joy and when her closeness was heralding his death. Their relationship was passionate and Lazarus seemed to know a lot about her and her demon, knowing how to overcome the sadness it always made her feel. He himself, was a bit of a mystery. We knew very little about him but that changed as the book progressed.
I did enjoy this. All the gang are included in this again and I loved seeing their closeness once more. There is one scene that had me smiling like an idiot: a mud fight. Lazarus starts it with Cameo but before long everyone is joining in and it made me a little warm and fuzzy to see all these warriors having fun with their females.
I did feel like something was missing, though. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would when I started this. I even skipped a lot of the sex scenes towards the end, they just weren't working for me anymore.
I do have book 14 to read, Gilly and Puck's story, but I think I'm going to give this series a little break for now.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) created a post
Dec 19, 2018 (Updated Dec 19, 2018)
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) created a post
Apr 27, 2020
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Foul Play (Barlow Sisters #3) in Books
Nov 14, 2017
Foul Play (Barlow Sisters #3) by Jordan Ford
Foul Play is the third and final book in the Barlow Sisters Trilogy. This time we focus on Chloe, the youngest of the three. She is a year younger than Maddie and Max, but is stubborn and passionate about what she believes. She knows it is a tough, hard world out there, but is convinced that if she can spread some goodness - just a little bit at a time - then eventually, the world will be a better place. This could lead to a whole world of hurt, but luckily for Chloe, she has a warrior who wants to protect her. A warrior who is down and broken, scarred with life, but not beyond Chloe's help. Together, these two help each other and the world too.
Jordan Ford has managed to write Chloe to perfection. I was a little bit worried from the first two books that she would by 'too' sweet, but instead, she comes across as naive but strong. Vincent is her perfect foil, and does what he can to protect her, even taking physical beatings to keep someone away from her. The storyline that has spread across all three books comes to a close here, and it was the most brilliant ending. It didn't go the way I thought at all, but once I read it, I couldn't envisage it any other way. Max and Maddie don't feature as much in this book, not until the end. We still have parts that overlap with other books, but it is totally from Chloe and Vincent's perspective.
Also, Jordan Ford has once again given me smiles, when she gives an extended epilogue at the end. Yes, I know I'm greedy, but I do love knowing how the characters are getting on at some point in the future. I won't share any spoilers, but I'm happy with how it ends!
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow; this book was a smooth read from start to finish. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jordan Ford has managed to write Chloe to perfection. I was a little bit worried from the first two books that she would by 'too' sweet, but instead, she comes across as naive but strong. Vincent is her perfect foil, and does what he can to protect her, even taking physical beatings to keep someone away from her. The storyline that has spread across all three books comes to a close here, and it was the most brilliant ending. It didn't go the way I thought at all, but once I read it, I couldn't envisage it any other way. Max and Maddie don't feature as much in this book, not until the end. We still have parts that overlap with other books, but it is totally from Chloe and Vincent's perspective.
Also, Jordan Ford has once again given me smiles, when she gives an extended epilogue at the end. Yes, I know I'm greedy, but I do love knowing how the characters are getting on at some point in the future. I won't share any spoilers, but I'm happy with how it ends!
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow; this book was a smooth read from start to finish. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Hope Undaunted (Winds of Change, #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
*This review is from my blog and originally published in 2010*
Okay. Let me start this review with SHAME ON ME! Why? Because, sweet saints, I haven’t ever read a Julie Lessman novel until this one and I most definitely should have been reading her books already! She is absolutely FANTABULOUS! The power that Julie has over her readers when they open the first page is mind-blowingly INCREDIBLE!
In A Hope Undaunted, Julie combines tenderness and passion with wit and God’s love, to create a romance story set in the 1920’s that will carry you away and leave you utterly breathless. Katie O’Connor was such an amazing young woman….thinking she had her life all planned out for herself. That is until she encounters a very handsome “soda jerk” by the name of Luke. Luke “Cluny” McGee, the boy she hated as a child, has been chiseled into a stunningly remarkable character. (Julie, can you send him my way, please?!) So, that leaves Katie with a choice….to follow HER hopes and choices, or God’s hopes and choices for her life. A beautifully created plot line!
For years, I’ve collected The Queen of Christian Fiction, Karen Kingsbury’s books, including true crime novels she wrote prior to her Christian work, and the ones that are under her pen name, but after reading this breathtaking, passionate story of a hope undaunted and a love that’s pure, Julie Lessman has earned a spot on my favorite authors list at the very top, pushing Karen Kingsbury down one. It takes an absolutely fantastic author to do that because I’ve held Karen Kingsbury at the top of my list for years! I’m still in awe and savoring this unforgettable story and it’s characters!
So, what you waiting for?! Don’t be a ninny like myself , who waited TOO long to read her work. GO GET A COPY OF A HOPE UNDAUNTED RIGHT NOW! You will instantly fall in love with the people in this book as they crawl in and take over your heart. Worthy of 1,005 stars, this 5 star book is a MUST read for everyone! Thank you, Julie, for creating a story full of passion, history and a breathtaking plot….it’s what I was needing and looking for! Now, I anxiously await the release of book 2, A Heart Revealed, in the Winds of Change series!
Okay. Let me start this review with SHAME ON ME! Why? Because, sweet saints, I haven’t ever read a Julie Lessman novel until this one and I most definitely should have been reading her books already! She is absolutely FANTABULOUS! The power that Julie has over her readers when they open the first page is mind-blowingly INCREDIBLE!
In A Hope Undaunted, Julie combines tenderness and passion with wit and God’s love, to create a romance story set in the 1920’s that will carry you away and leave you utterly breathless. Katie O’Connor was such an amazing young woman….thinking she had her life all planned out for herself. That is until she encounters a very handsome “soda jerk” by the name of Luke. Luke “Cluny” McGee, the boy she hated as a child, has been chiseled into a stunningly remarkable character. (Julie, can you send him my way, please?!) So, that leaves Katie with a choice….to follow HER hopes and choices, or God’s hopes and choices for her life. A beautifully created plot line!
For years, I’ve collected The Queen of Christian Fiction, Karen Kingsbury’s books, including true crime novels she wrote prior to her Christian work, and the ones that are under her pen name, but after reading this breathtaking, passionate story of a hope undaunted and a love that’s pure, Julie Lessman has earned a spot on my favorite authors list at the very top, pushing Karen Kingsbury down one. It takes an absolutely fantastic author to do that because I’ve held Karen Kingsbury at the top of my list for years! I’m still in awe and savoring this unforgettable story and it’s characters!
So, what you waiting for?! Don’t be a ninny like myself , who waited TOO long to read her work. GO GET A COPY OF A HOPE UNDAUNTED RIGHT NOW! You will instantly fall in love with the people in this book as they crawl in and take over your heart. Worthy of 1,005 stars, this 5 star book is a MUST read for everyone! Thank you, Julie, for creating a story full of passion, history and a breathtaking plot….it’s what I was needing and looking for! Now, I anxiously await the release of book 2, A Heart Revealed, in the Winds of Change series!
Readforthesouls (5 KP) created a post
Aug 24, 2018
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Not If I See You First in Books
Dec 14, 2018
3.5 Stars
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
Eric Lindstrom’s ironically named <i>Not If I See You First</i> is a story narrated by a blind teenaged girl, Parker Grant. Parker has had to deal with a lot in her short life - the accident that killed her mother and left her blind; the recent death of her father; however she seems to be coping fine. But there is one incident she will never get over, one person she will never forgive.
Being blind, Parker has memorized voices, the number of steps to get from one place to another and the layout of the areas she frequents. So when her high school merges with another there is a lot of unfamiliarity to get used to. What she is not prepared for is the reappearance of Scott, a boy who broke her heart a couple of years ago.
Parker’s coping mechanisms, both with blindness and grief, result in a hardened personality, unfeeling and caring. She has become unintentionally selfish. Literally and figuratively blind to everyone else’s emotions. Realising this, Parker tries to turn things around, but can her friends forgive her? Can Scott?
It is interesting reading from the point of view of a blind person. For a start there is a lack of physical description. It is difficult to conjure up a complete image of the various settings, almost as if the reader is blind as well. It also challenges stereotypical ideals. Just because someone is blind does not mean they cannot look after themselves.
Despite her hostile demeanor, Parker is an admirable character. She does not let her disability hold her back and sticks with the things she is passionate about, for instance running.
The problem I had with this novel is that Parker seemed to care more about her history with Scott than she did with her father’s death a couple of months previously. I am aware there was a point to this, but even after Parker’s emotions begin to flow she is still more focused on romantic relationships than anything else.
Targeted at young adults, <i>Not If I See You First</i> will appeal to those that enjoy contemporary romance. Nevertheless, be aware that it has an ambivalent ending, rather than the happily-ever-after that you may be yearning for.
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
Eric Lindstrom’s ironically named <i>Not If I See You First</i> is a story narrated by a blind teenaged girl, Parker Grant. Parker has had to deal with a lot in her short life - the accident that killed her mother and left her blind; the recent death of her father; however she seems to be coping fine. But there is one incident she will never get over, one person she will never forgive.
Being blind, Parker has memorized voices, the number of steps to get from one place to another and the layout of the areas she frequents. So when her high school merges with another there is a lot of unfamiliarity to get used to. What she is not prepared for is the reappearance of Scott, a boy who broke her heart a couple of years ago.
Parker’s coping mechanisms, both with blindness and grief, result in a hardened personality, unfeeling and caring. She has become unintentionally selfish. Literally and figuratively blind to everyone else’s emotions. Realising this, Parker tries to turn things around, but can her friends forgive her? Can Scott?
It is interesting reading from the point of view of a blind person. For a start there is a lack of physical description. It is difficult to conjure up a complete image of the various settings, almost as if the reader is blind as well. It also challenges stereotypical ideals. Just because someone is blind does not mean they cannot look after themselves.
Despite her hostile demeanor, Parker is an admirable character. She does not let her disability hold her back and sticks with the things she is passionate about, for instance running.
The problem I had with this novel is that Parker seemed to care more about her history with Scott than she did with her father’s death a couple of months previously. I am aware there was a point to this, but even after Parker’s emotions begin to flow she is still more focused on romantic relationships than anything else.
Targeted at young adults, <i>Not If I See You First</i> will appeal to those that enjoy contemporary romance. Nevertheless, be aware that it has an ambivalent ending, rather than the happily-ever-after that you may be yearning for.