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Kristy S. (3 KP) rated Caraval in Books

Aug 10, 2018  
Caraval
Caraval
Stephanie Garber | 2017 | Young Adult (YA)
5
8.1 (97 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was hoping for more. (0 more)
So much potential...
I read this book as it was recommended for those who enjoyed the book Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The story had all the elements of a book I should love - fantasy, adventure, a challenge, a bit of romance, but I did not enjoy the book as I thought I would. I world Garber attempted to create wasn't fully developed. Where she tried to exude mystery and intrigue felt more like plot holes and underdeveloped ideas. The characters made extreme choices that didn't feel realistic, specifically the protagonist's sister. Overall, the book fell flat for me. It has all the potential in the world, but it fizzled.
  
I received an eARC when I signed up to host the book tour. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.

This is not a stand alone so Tortured Souls should be read first. This is a fast paced and exciting read full of paranormal elements and it contains just the right amount of romance to captivate you. The story line is well written and the characters are easy to relate to. The entire gang returns in this sequel plus a few new friends. Want to know what happens and what the consequences are for playing around with a ouija board? Then I highly recommend you read this YA book that's full of thrills and chills.
  
No Easy Catch (Cleat Chasers, #4)
No Easy Catch (Cleat Chasers, #4)
Jaqueline Snowe | 2020 | Contemporary, Romance, Sport & Leisure, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
No Easy Catch is the fourth book in the Cleat Chasers series, and the second one in the series I have read. You don't need to have read any of the others to get into this story.

This is an enemy to lovers story, set in the world of college with a whole host of dodgy dealings going on. To begin with, Jeff doesn't trust Ambar at all, even thinking she has been involved with it all. He soon learns she is innocent of all charges apart from being related to one of the men involved. This was a lovely tale, with a slow-build romance threaded through the mystery. As the reader, I got to see Jeff's first moments of realisation that Ambar was more than he had previously thought.

Although this is classed as a sports romance and Jeff plays baseball, it didn't take over the story, and there wasn't much there where he was actually on the field. The world is well established, with individual characters adding highlights to the story, or moving forward where necessary. The pacing was smooth and punchy when needed. I did find some words or phrases were used slightly repetitively but that's probably just me.

On the whole, I enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys a coming-of-age romance with sport elements.

* 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!
  
I read this on recommendation from my dad, and, I must admit, while I went in not expecting much from it, I was actually quite pleasantly surprised and found it to be quite enjoyable.

I beleive there is now something like 18 books in the eries; this is the very first that introduces us to the central character of Amelia Peabody: a Victorian heiress at the turn of the century. I'm also not really sure how to classify this novel, as it combines elements of mystery, action/adventure, romance and comedy, with the central character of Amelia herself being a bit of a know-it-all (she's always right, even after the fact).

Will I read more in the series? Probably, but I don't know if they are books I would go out of my way to look for.
  
Bell-Bottom George (1943)
Bell-Bottom George (1943)
1943 | Comedy, Musical
George Formby vehicle in need of a tune-up. George, who as ever is playing a good-hearted Lancastrian simpleton ukulele master, joins the navy by accident, stumbles across a nest of Nazi spies, and saves a new submarine from being sunk, while getting the girl and doing a few comic songs along the way.

These days I suspect most people only watch George Formby films for the one-liners and the musical numbers - but the script here is thin, and Formby doesn't play the uke in half the songs (which mostly aren't that good either). All the usual elements turn up - chases, slapstick, unlikely romance, etc - but the movie feels padded even at only 97 minutes long and it's just not consistently funny enough. Still, the second world war saw some terrible disasters, and this is far from the worst of them.
  
Passengers (2016)
Passengers (2016)
2016 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Casting (1 more)
Effects
Slightly Predictable (0 more)
A space Titanic
This is basically Titanic set in space, albeit a much better film than Titanic will ever be.

Let's get it straight, this is not a full blown sci-fi epic. This is a romantic love story set in space, with some sci-fi elements thrown in. As long as you can accept that, then this is a really good film. Yes the romance part of the story is pretty predictable, but for me this didn't matter due to the sheer likeability and chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. They did get a great job of holding a film virtually all on their own, although Michael Sheen was a delight in all of his scenes too. The special effects too were very impressive and this is definitely one of the better films I saw in the new year.
  
TI
The Iron Hunt (Hunter Kiss, #1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>The Iron Hunt</i> is a beautifully written book with some interesting twists on established fantasy memes. To some extent, I felt that I'd come in to the world on book 2 or 3, but as far as I know (and from what Amazon says) this is the first book of the Hunter Kiss series. There was a bit of Buffy and a little Witchblade, with other elements I'm sure I'm overlooking.

For once, it's good to see a novel in which an established couple has a seemingly-healthy relationship. Maxine and Grant have very different skills, but they work together well. That said, this is <b>not</b> a romance.

Edited to add: I just learned that there is, in fact, a prequel to this book in <i>The Wild Thing</i> anthology, which I hadn't heard of before. I'll certainly be looking for it.
  
TW
The Warded Man (Demon Cycle, #1)
10
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I won a print copy of this book in a FirstReads giveaway.

When I first read the synopsis, I was hesitant to enter the giveaway, as I didn't know how much I would enjoy this book. However, I talked myself into it, and I'm definitely glad I did, because it's a great book. The idea of demons, or "corelings," rising through the ground every night to attack people and tear up everything is just really interesting, and I don't know why I was hesitant to begin with. I found myself growing attached to the three main characters as their stories unfolded, and I couldn't wait to see what happened on the next page. There's a ton of action, the paranormal/horror aspect of attacking demons, some historical elements, and even a little romance, so it's got something for everyone. I decided less than halfway through that I'm going to get the 2nd and 3rd books, and I can't wait to get started on them!!

5 stars
  
40x40

Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Worthy in Books

Jan 11, 2021  
Worthy
Worthy
Lia Black | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm still kinda undecided on how to rate this because I really, really, really liked it. 4 star? 5 star? Ugh!

It was a sweet romance with some bdsm elements--which I'm not always a fan of--but it was done in a way that made me want to keep reading and in the end I fell for both Sev and Demetrie.

They were both damaged in different ways and the more I learnt about them the more I wanted to wrap them in a big hug.

Things started off a little shaky between them but by the end I was almost crying thinking of what might or might not happen between them. It was such a sweet story with lots of these:

If you like books a little dystopian-y and/or bdsm/erotica-y then you should really like this! There was even a slight threesome in there for fans of that too :)
  
For Love by Danelle Sandoval
For Love by Danelle Sandoval
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Danelle Sandoval is an indie-pop/R&B singer-songwriter out of Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a delightful 4-track EP, entitled, “For Love”.

“SAY NO”

The Victoria Innocenzi-directed video finds Sandoval lying comfortably in bed. She’s alone and craving for her man’s touch. Also, flashback scenes are sprinkled every now and then to remind us of Sandoval’s relationship status.

‘Say No’ contains a relationship storyline, soothing vocals, and danceable instrumentation embedded with pop elements.


“HANDS”

‘Hands’ is a seductive tune oozing with the pleasure-seeking thought of romance. Also, it contains an intimate storyline, silky-smooth vocals, melodic melodies, and lush instrumentation perfumed with a charismatic bounce.

“CARELESS”

‘Careless’ tells the tale of a woman who’s had enough in trying to make her relationship work. After failing in trying to patch things up with her significant other, she wants to exit their union which was once boomin’ with happiness.

The song contains a bittersweet storyline, sincere vocals, and groovy instrumentation perfumed with an r&b/electronic vibe.

“CAPACITY”

‘Capacity’ tells the tale of a woman who questions her significant other’s heart. She knows he wants her. But does he have the capacity in his heart to be able to love her the way she wants to be loved? An interesting question she needs answers to.

The song contains a relatable storyline, soothing vocals, and lively instrumentation embedded with tropical/electro-house elements.

In conclusion, Danelle Sandoval’s “For Love” EP is an ear-welcoming chill pop/r&b project based on relationship issues.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/danelle-sandoval-love-ep/