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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Hannah (Daughters of the Sea, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Hannah, the first in entry into the Daughters of the Sea series, is a fairly solid tale with an enjoyable premise. Any little girl who loved the Little Mermaid would most likely want to read this story. I like the fact that it takes place in Victorian times and it teaches the reader about the hierarchy of staff in an upper-class family's household. The author did a good job making Hannah likable, Lila psychotic, and everyone else was fleshed out just enough. However, the relationship between the painter, Stannish Whitman Wheeler, and Hannah was shaky and unbelievable, and I never quite saw the need for this to be included. My biggest complaint is the ending, which for all the lead-up of this moment, felt very anti-climactic and left much to be desired. While some younger readers might find the pacing of the book a bit slow, it managed to hold my interest throughout. Overall, it's an easy read and has a good, if somewhat flawed, story. 3.5 stars
Auburn (57 KP) rated Umbertouched (Rosemarked, #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
As the cover suggests this book is more about umbertouched and the ways to become so. Zivah and Dineas have escaped the capital but not the continent. This follows their progress back to their homeland and what happens afterwards. Can they still fit in and where is their place now.
I enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas and how that continued to develop. The stress of being back home and back to their old lives was well thought out. The fighting and battle was interesting as well. I liked how each part from the first book to the very last page of this intertwined. Dineas's split personality is well documented and the problems that came from losing his memories in the first are seen.
My only problem was the ending. Is this a duology or will there be a third. I feel like if it is only two there is missing a key wrap up at the end. It feels incomplete. I do not know if that is what the author is going for but I feel a bit underwhelmed.
I enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas and how that continued to develop. The stress of being back home and back to their old lives was well thought out. The fighting and battle was interesting as well. I liked how each part from the first book to the very last page of this intertwined. Dineas's split personality is well documented and the problems that came from losing his memories in the first are seen.
My only problem was the ending. Is this a duology or will there be a third. I feel like if it is only two there is missing a key wrap up at the end. It feels incomplete. I do not know if that is what the author is going for but I feel a bit underwhelmed.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Do What I Wanna Do - Single by Leah Kate in Music
Jun 6, 2019
Leah Kate is a rising singer-songwriter based in New York City. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Do What I Wanna Do” single.
‘Do What I Wanna Do’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who wants to get into a relationship with a guy who she desires to be with.
Even though there might be some consequences involved in them being together, she still insists that they should push forward and take their changes.
‘Do What I Wanna Do’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and club-friendly instrumentation scented with an electric-dance fragrance.
Leah Kate’s sound fits somewhere in between the musical realms of King Princess and Charlotte Lawrence.
Having grown up with a family in media and submerged in the entertainment industry, the bubbly entertainer quickly found herself under enormous pressure.
That’s when she decided to escape to New York City, where she discovered her creative fulfillment and flourished into who she is today.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leah-kate-do-what-i-wanna-do/
‘Do What I Wanna Do’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who wants to get into a relationship with a guy who she desires to be with.
Even though there might be some consequences involved in them being together, she still insists that they should push forward and take their changes.
‘Do What I Wanna Do’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and club-friendly instrumentation scented with an electric-dance fragrance.
Leah Kate’s sound fits somewhere in between the musical realms of King Princess and Charlotte Lawrence.
Having grown up with a family in media and submerged in the entertainment industry, the bubbly entertainer quickly found herself under enormous pressure.
That’s when she decided to escape to New York City, where she discovered her creative fulfillment and flourished into who she is today.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/leah-kate-do-what-i-wanna-do/
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Again, not a fan of novels with leads who have seen the real world and changed, usually due to negative events. However, this novel struck a chord with me. I have known my husband all my life and fell in love with him long before we dated. However, we both had a lot of growing up to do. Had we tried a relationship before we did, I dont think we would still be together. There is a time and place for everything and I certainly felt that in accordance with this novel.
I think because of that, I felt more forgiving of all the little things that annoyed me in this novel, whether it was something eye-rolling worthy that someone said or did or something that was just cliché or annoying.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel especially because I felt more connected to it than others. I could understand the characters motivations and actions even if I didnt agree with how they handled them. Definitely a touching second chance romance.
I think because of that, I felt more forgiving of all the little things that annoyed me in this novel, whether it was something eye-rolling worthy that someone said or did or something that was just cliché or annoying.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel especially because I felt more connected to it than others. I could understand the characters motivations and actions even if I didnt agree with how they handled them. Definitely a touching second chance romance.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Duke Meets His Match in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I had a love hate relationship with the novel. The hate comes from my annoyance with the certain character traits. I dont enjoy the tortured heroes/heroines who push people away because they feel they dont deserve love or have done terrible things in the past. However, I loved the strong female lead and her willingness to take things into her own hands to get things done and the sassy male lead who didnt know what hit him. The hero actually ended up being one of my favorites to date particularly for his ability to realize he is not infallible and must correct his own wrongdoings/misconceptions.
Overall, it was an enjoyable novel. The pity parties got old, but I enjoyed watching the main couple fall in love. It was an easy kind of love that happened over time rather than forced. Not to mention the female lead had a brain on her shoulders. Always a plus in my book!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Overall, it was an enjoyable novel. The pity parties got old, but I enjoyed watching the main couple fall in love. It was an easy kind of love that happened over time rather than forced. Not to mention the female lead had a brain on her shoulders. Always a plus in my book!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Spectre (Zoe Martinique #2) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Hmm. <i>Spectre</i> feels less like a sequel to <i>Wraith</i> than a chapter two, if that makes any sense. Both books are full-sized novels, but they're so closely related that book two wouldn't make any sense without having read book 1 (and the novella in between). Unfortunately, <i>Spectre</i> ends on a cliff-hanger. I hate that.
At least I know (from her blog) that Weldon is working on the third book. I can only hope that it comes out soon and wraps up all the loose threads without introducing new ones that aren't left hanging again.
I do have to agree with another GR reviewer who mentioned that the main character carries on more like a 13-year-old kid than a 28-year-old woman. I have to agree. I understand that losing one parent early might, for some people, to a closer relationship with the surviving parent—but give me a break! Zoë apparently needs to move across the country to learn to live without Mommy. Or maybe Mommy should move?
At least I know (from her blog) that Weldon is working on the third book. I can only hope that it comes out soon and wraps up all the loose threads without introducing new ones that aren't left hanging again.
I do have to agree with another GR reviewer who mentioned that the main character carries on more like a 13-year-old kid than a 28-year-old woman. I have to agree. I understand that losing one parent early might, for some people, to a closer relationship with the surviving parent—but give me a break! Zoë apparently needs to move across the country to learn to live without Mommy. Or maybe Mommy should move?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2540 KP) rated Ivy Get Your Gun (Ivy Meadows Mysteries #4) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Ivy takes on an undercover job at Gold Bug Gulch, where one of the gun fighters has just been shot and killed. As she gets to know the employees at the tourist trap ghost town, she finds plenty of suspects, but was it an accident or murder? Meanwhile, she also trying to land a part in Annie Get Your Gun for a theater company that might really boost her career and keep her relationship with her new boyfriend on track.
Since I’ve loved the first three books in this series, I was expecting to love this one, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. The story moves forward quickly, and the characters are strong. The author finds that perfect balance of comedy without making anything or anyone not feel real. In fact, there’s some real depth to these characters by the end. Throw in the acting, and I completely enjoyed it.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-ivy-get-your-gun-by-cindy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Since I’ve loved the first three books in this series, I was expecting to love this one, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. The story moves forward quickly, and the characters are strong. The author finds that perfect balance of comedy without making anything or anyone not feel real. In fact, there’s some real depth to these characters by the end. Throw in the acting, and I completely enjoyed it.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/05/book-review-ivy-get-your-gun-by-cindy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Romances of Chretien de Troyes in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I really enjoyed reading these Medieval stories. My favorite one was Erec and Enide. I had to read these for one of my college classes on Medieval Literature and it was very interesting to be able to read.
I loved, in Erec and Enide, how it was set up into three acts and how all of them were so different from each other.
When I was rereading some other fiction that I really enjoy, I noticed some allusions to the Erec and Enide story, specifically the hunt of the White Stag which I thought was very cool. I'm not sure whether or not the author meant to do it, but it was definitely there.
I had to do a paper on Erec and Enide, so I was able to analyze their relationship and how i changes over the course of the story.
I'm keeping this review pretty short and I may come back to add more later.
I recommend this to anyone who really likes Medieval literature and stories about King Arthur and his court.
I loved, in Erec and Enide, how it was set up into three acts and how all of them were so different from each other.
When I was rereading some other fiction that I really enjoy, I noticed some allusions to the Erec and Enide story, specifically the hunt of the White Stag which I thought was very cool. I'm not sure whether or not the author meant to do it, but it was definitely there.
I had to do a paper on Erec and Enide, so I was able to analyze their relationship and how i changes over the course of the story.
I'm keeping this review pretty short and I may come back to add more later.
I recommend this to anyone who really likes Medieval literature and stories about King Arthur and his court.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Endgame (Sirantha Jax, #6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Endgame is the final book in the Sirantha Jax series, according to Aguirre, and it definitely shows. Everything gets wrapped up very satisfactorily. Nothing new is introduced. Jax's relationships with March and Vel are both expanded in a delightful manner, and I love the way that works out. She also gets to develop a not-quite-motherly relationship with Sasha, March's adopted son.
The entire volume takes place on Laheng, home of the Lahengrin. We've only met the race through Loras so far in the series, but their story is touching. This is Loras' story as much as anything, the story of the fight to free the Lahengrin from the Nicuans and from the need to be owned (or "protected" as it is called). The action is brutal - Aguirre doesn't hide the realities of war. She doesn't dwell on it in an obscene manner, though, so the book is readable.
Reading the ending of a wonderful series is also bittersweet, but at least Aguirre has stated that she'll revisit this universe.
The entire volume takes place on Laheng, home of the Lahengrin. We've only met the race through Loras so far in the series, but their story is touching. This is Loras' story as much as anything, the story of the fight to free the Lahengrin from the Nicuans and from the need to be owned (or "protected" as it is called). The action is brutal - Aguirre doesn't hide the realities of war. She doesn't dwell on it in an obscene manner, though, so the book is readable.
Reading the ending of a wonderful series is also bittersweet, but at least Aguirre has stated that she'll revisit this universe.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3) in Books
Feb 23, 2018
Cat is definitely coming into her own now, and her relationship with Bones is portrayed far more healthily than most in the paranormal romance category. I love the fact that she demands that he permit her to stand as his equal, rather than treat her like a delicate thing to be protected.
The plot is more interesting than I recall in previous excursions, while building on the earlier books. I know there's another volume either planned or on the shelves, and I plan to read it. I wasn't so sure after the last book, but I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
I still contend that the cover art, no matter how lovely, shows a woman in a position that cannot be obtained by any human who wants to walk again. Cat is supposed to be half-vampire, but that hasn't been said to give her more flexibility—increased strength, speed, and healing power, yes, but not this sort of oddity. Yes, it's a minor nit to pick, but it has bugged me since the first time I saw the cover.
The plot is more interesting than I recall in previous excursions, while building on the earlier books. I know there's another volume either planned or on the shelves, and I plan to read it. I wasn't so sure after the last book, but I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
I still contend that the cover art, no matter how lovely, shows a woman in a position that cannot be obtained by any human who wants to walk again. Cat is supposed to be half-vampire, but that hasn't been said to give her more flexibility—increased strength, speed, and healing power, yes, but not this sort of oddity. Yes, it's a minor nit to pick, but it has bugged me since the first time I saw the cover.