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Bound ( Destine Academy book 6)
Sara Snow | 2022
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
170 of 230
Kindle
Bound ( Destine Academy book 6)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As Caroline embarks on year eleven at magical Destine Academy, she’s more determined than ever to find out what has happened to her mother and brother

...even if it means taking down her aunt, headmistress for the academy, Marguerite Destine.

Her feelings towards Aldrick and Corbin are more complicated than ever, as both gentlemen keep their distance, leaving Caroline confused.

While the headmistress denies that Tempeste and The Entiere pose any imminent threat, Caroline is still haunted by her encounter and is determined to master the POWERS of the four factions; Magicks, Surnaturals, Metamorphes and Voyantes.

With the help of her friends, Caroline’s strength grows as she learns what it means to harness her destiny—but will it be too late?

I love this little series I look forward to each book. They are quick read that always packs a punch!
  
The People at Number 9
The People at Number 9
Felicity Everett | 2017 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
From this synopsis of this book, you imagine this is going to be a bit dark and a bit twisty, but it’s not. It’s simply a domestic thriller about people with a lot of money and connections in high up places flirting, changing life paths and having resentments. I understand that this was a novel about middle-class suburban life, which can be dull, but why did nothing happen? <i>“But those changes will come at a price."</i> I’m sorry, but I must have missed something… What changes? What price?

I didn’t like the way this was set out, and maybe that’s because it was an ARC copy, but this was really choppy and changey, with no indication that a longish time period (a few hours to a whole afternoon) had passed. The writing was fine, I have no faults with that, but it wasn’t anything special.

There are four main characters in this book. Sara and Neil and Lou and Gavin. While each of the characters were well developed and in depth, it didn’t stop them from being lacklustre and 2D. I couldn’t connect with any of them on a personal level. Even though I would get annoyed at certain things Lou said or did, I wasn’t getting annoyed on Sara’s behalf, because I thought Sara was whiny and she got on my nerves too.

One of my issues with this book, other than it being boring as heck, was the pretentious conversations going on, all the time. I know this book was a satire piece on the middle class, I get it, but don’t bore us to death with long conversations that are eye rollingly posh and uninteresting. You can create a satire piece without making your readers fall asleep. There is very little description in this book, you’ll find that 80% of all the writing is speech, so it really did my head in after a while.

Now, this point is completely down to personal preference, but another reason I couldn’t get on with this book was because of all the out-of-marriage flirting. It makes me really uncomfortable and squirmy reading that kind of stuff, so, since it was heavily featured in this, I disliked the book even more.

This is going to be a controversial book in terms of opinions, most definitely, and it would probably be a great book to read for a discussion, because you’d have lots of differing opinions on the characters, but, here’s my two-cents:

Ultimately, this novel is a story about over indulged middle class suburban families doing things a little bit “risky” like sex in a tent or smoking weed, and worrying about things only unrealistic well-off people could worry about, like home-schooling and arts and crafts. Not worth the time it takes to read.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
  
Prison Break  - Season 1
Prison Break - Season 1
2005 | Action
A well thought out and intelligent series. (0 more)
Non - stop tv!
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have to confess that I came across Prison break only recently. Despite a number of recommendations from friends to watch the series, I had never quite gotten around to it. The only thing that stops me regretting this, is that I am now able to binge watch the series as a box set.


Wentworth Miller acts the role of Michael expertly, the slightly eccentric brother, who aims to break his brother out of prison. Soon joined by characters such as T-bag and Sucre, all having their own complex backgrounds, we are teased throughout into trying to decide whether these characters are going to double cross Michael at any point in time. The writers play on our emotions as to whether the criminals with whom Michael connects are actually good at heart or nasty individuals.


In the background, we also have the relationship between Michael and Sara developing, which adds yet a further element to the story. Realising all along, that if Michael’s plan is ever to succeed, he will at some point have to double cross Sara, we are gripped as to how the plot line will play out. We also have Lincoln’s legal team, slowly unravelling the story as to Lincoln’s wrongful arrest and the murder of his ex-wife, and subsequent criminalisation of his son, extending the plot line from the walls of the prison.


The series itself has so many twists and turns, that you feel like you cannot take your eyes off the screen for a minute without missing an element of the plot. The series has been well wrote and intelligently thought out, from the use of Michaels tattoo’s to map out the prison, to the fooling of Lincoln’s electrocution with a dead rat, I couldn’t help but be hooked.


I effect, the writers have us routing for Michael and Lincoln to escape from prison, despite the fact that this will mean that they will also need to take some hard level criminals with them. I can’t wait to see what season 2 brings.
  
Forget Me Always (Lovely Vicious #2)
Forget Me Always (Lovely Vicious #2)
Sara Wolf | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>Several months ago, I first got introduced to the life of Isis Blake and Jack Hunter in the first book of the <i>Lovely Vicious</i> series, <i><a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-love-me-never-by-sara-wolf-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Love Me Never</a></i>. If anyone remembers from my review of the first book, I confessed that I had a case of the giggles (and had trouble stifling said giggles) because Isis Blake is hilarious and sarcastic and just hard to hate (okay that last one applies to Jack as well).

So when I found out <i>Forget Me Always</i> was available to request… which means more of Isis Blake and Jack Hunter and everything that comes with those two, I confess I leapt at the chance to read the second book in the <i>Lovely Vicious</i> series. (I promise this is the last book I'm touching until I actually go through the ARCs from earlier this year and posting those reviews. But really, they're in drafts.)

<i>Forget Me Always</i>, unfortunately, did not leave me in a constant puddle of giggles like its predecessor. It is much darker than the first book - both Isis’s and Jack’s pasts come to light and sort of… mesh together. Rather, they don’t actually mesh together, but what was originally two different pasts have something in common between the two that’s bringing the pasts together.

However, despite the darker atmosphere of <i>Forget Me Always</i>, the second book in the <i>Lovely Vicious</i> series still has Isis Blake’s signature humor and sarcasm found throughout the first book, which will surely lighten up the third and final book’s darker atmosphere.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-forget-me-always-by-sara-wolf/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
A Quiet Kind of Thunder
A Quiet Kind of Thunder
Sara Barnard | 2017 | Children
9
8.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Quintessential British coming of age
‘He can’t hear, she doesn’t speak but they understand one another perfectly’

That’s the strap line on this book and it blew me away like I find the best YA can. This was one of the most relatable YAs I’ve read in a long time (I work with this age group and that’s why I find it relateable...I know I’m not 18). I think some of this was down to the fact it was quintessentially British and not American and I loved sense of home in this book.

Steffi was a carefully crafted complex and refreshing character. I ‘got’ her, I admired her and wanted her to thrive in whatever way was right for her. Rhys was bloody adorable and flawed and adorable. Did I say adorable? *shrugs* The story of these two was a absorbing delight to read but it was real.

I devoured this book quickly. I slipped into this seamless writing with ease and I’m genuinely sorry it’s over. I will be reading more from Sara Barnard, she rocked this age range so good.
  
40x40

Alicia S (193 KP) rated Miss You in Books

Nov 30, 2018  
Miss You
Miss You
Kate Eberlen | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
What an incredible book!?!? I devoured this title in about 3 hours as I simply COULD NOT put it down. A new author for me, I was interested after catching that it was recommended by Lee Child and OMG am I glad I did. Megan Goldin surely has herself a new fan! I truly could not put this book down - kept me on the edge of my seat from page one!

The story takes us through Sara Hall's point of view, a recent MBA graduate a few months out of school and still looking for work. A random encounter in an elevator after the worst interview of her life leads her to her big chance to break into Wall Street Finance.

We also follow four executives participating in a required corporate team building exercise that has them trying to escape a locked elevator. When nerves start to flare and everyone ends up on edge, the real answers start to come out... secrets shared, faults uncovered and a murderer exposed.

HIGHLY recommended and I'll surely be back for more from this author!
  
Dark Tomorrow
Dark Tomorrow
Jeremiah Franklin | 2018 | Dystopia, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Action Packed Read
I will start by saying that whatever you do, don't start to read this right before bedtime because once you start you won't be able to put it down as that's what happened to me and so I read it until I reached the last page.

The author's worldbuilding is so realistic that you are immediately transported into the middle of this post-apocalyptic world that has been decimated by a virus and you can practically hear the ever-present crows.

Sawyer, Sara, and Mason are truly a force to be reckoned with as we learn of their heartaches and witness how strong they are to endure the harshness and perils of the world. All the characters, from the good to the bad are strong and well developed.

The author has written this in such a way that you often feel like it could really happen. This action-packed powerhouse of a story will keep you on the edge of your seat and I highly recommend it
  
TR
The Return ( Destine Academy book 2)
Sara Snow | 2022
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
73 of 230
Kindle
The Return ( Destine Academy book 2)
By Sara Snow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reeling from the revelation that her father is still alive, Caroline is forced to question EVERYTHING she thought she knew about her family and her former life in this thrilling second volume of the intriguing new series Destine Academy.

Caroline Destine’s world hasn’t been the same since her 16th birthday...

As if it wasn’t enough to find her mother and brother missing without a trace, now Caroline must find her place among the magically gifted students at Destine Academy. She quickly discovers not only has her family hidden many important secrets from her, but now her mother and brother might not be the only ones in danger.

These are really quick reads but pack a punch! The author manages to get enough into the few chapters for to get the story and the drama but also leaves you wanting more! I’m really enjoying them. This starts with Caroline discovering her dad is still alive to finding her key power.
  
Hitch (2005)
Hitch (2005)
2005 | Comedy, Romance
8
6.4 (14 Ratings)
Movie Rating
February is the time of year when thoughts turn to romance and the coming spring. It is also the time of year when Hollywood brings new romantic themed films to the theaters in an effort to open big, thanks to the date movie crowd.

Some of the efforts, such as last weekend’s The Wedding Date, never take off, while others, such as Hitch provide a nice mix of romance and comedy which, for the most part, work very well.

The film follows the exploits of urban legend Alex Hitch Hitchens (Will Smith), a self-styled date doctor who specializes in helping men romance the lady of their dreams. Hitch does not provide a dating service but rather helps his clients with their confidence and instructs them on the true way to win and keep and ladies heart.

With his proven results and good rapport with his clients, Hitch is a man in demand, yet due to his policy of privacy and secrecy, to many, the so-called love doctor is little more than an urban myth which is just fine with Hitch. He would rather work in the shadows than bask in the limelight. The adoration of his clients is all he needs. Well, that and a steady supply of ladies to charm at the days end.

Hitch is about to face his toughest case yet in a kind but portly accountant named Albert (Kevin James) who is desperate to win the heart of his wealthy socialite client Allegra (Amber Valletta). When Albert and Allegra start to be seen with one another in public, they catch the eye of celebrity snoop Sara (Eve Mendes), who becomes determined to see what is behind this unexpected couple, which in turn leads her to believe that the so-called Date Doctor is a reality.

If matters were not complicated enough, Hitch starts to see Sara on a social basis with each of them unaware of what the other really does. Sparks fly despite the unflappable and smooth Hitch having one thing after another go awry. Sara really seems to be effecting him, and the more pathetic and hopeless he seems, the more they are drawn to one another.

Instead of turning the film into a whimsical lark, Director Andy Tennant, who helmed the recent Sweet Home Alabama manages to balance comedy with romance, all the while keeping a little bit of drama involved.

Mendes and Smith have good chemistry with one another, as do Smith and James. Smith is very solid and likeable as the charming Hitch. He plays him as a smooth and confident guy, who is actually more reserved and cautious on the inside. The duality of his character is clear without being overwhelming, leaving him not only likeable, but as a character that is easy to root for. The biggest surprise of the film would be Kevin James. His portrayal of Albert is a solid mix of humor and decency. James gets many laughs with Albert’s attempt at being suave, as he portrays a very realistic and believable character who is struggling to find his inner confidence and let his body and voice convey what he has in his heart.

The film does lose momentum during the final twenty minutes when it becomes lazy, resorting to many standard situations that have been done many times before. That being said Hitch as a whole works, and if you are willing to overlook a few blemishes, you may find yourself enjoying the warmth, humor and charm.
  
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<i><b>Bring Me Their Hearts</b></i><b> has plenty of sass, snark and </b><b>humor laced throughout</b>, which is no surprise considering one of the biggest reasons why I loved Sara Wolf's debut novel is the sass and humor (I can now officially count on Wolf to make me laugh). This book literally starts with Zera comparing the king's worth to a <i>potato</i>.

<h2>Potatoes aside, let's talk about Sara Wolf's dive from contemporary into fantasy, aka <b>how did </b><b><i>Bring Me Their Hearts</i></b><b> do???</b></h2>
Because that is the most important question: is the book good? Is it as bloodeh as the title? Let me give you the 411.

<h3><b>If you're looking for a good dose of sass, snark and humor, count on it.</b></h3>
Zera has a comeback for <i>everything</i>. Of course, she says she can't help herself because it's how she deals with it since she became Heartless, which is essentially a witch's pet monster. If you can't deal with her comebacks, then suck it up an drop off a cliff is what she'll likely tell you. But the amount of sass is &#x1f44c;&#x1f44c;&#x1f44c; and #100percentapproved.

<h3><b>But let's be a little honest here: sometimes Isis Blake appears too much in Zera.</b></h3>
Isis Blake is <a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-love-me-never-by-sara-wolf-arc-review-and-giveaway/">the main character of Wolf's <i>Lovely Vicious</i> series</a> and sometimes she appears way too much in Zera. Think two people stuck in one body = identity crisis much?

Maybe I am complaining too much here because regardless of how Isis seems to appear occasionally in Zera, <b>I still enjoyed Zera's voice.</b> And I still approve of snarkcisms used. So I'll just sit in a corner and hush up.

<h3><b>Let's take a moment to appreciate a side character (really, we should appreciate most side characters).</b></h3>
Meet Malachite, who is officially one of my favorite characters of <i>Bring Me Their Hearts</i> simply because he was wonderful and had no filter for being a royal bodyguard. 11/10 would adopt.

But we all know, Ms. Wolf, that you're going to kill Malachite later on, right? And kill my feels along with it?

<h3><b>There is this weird issue of the beginning being kind of out of place but used as a lovely hook.</b></h3>
<i>Bring Me Their Hearts</i> starts us in a court before backtracking a few weeks and then continuing. <i>Please note I am a very forgetful person</i> but we're in Zera's world of Heartless and witches and then Training101 for 30% of the book. I completely forgot everything by that point aside from a potato being involved.

But it's used as a lovely hook, so I'm not exactly complaining too much (someone fix my memory please and thank you).

<h3><b>Common Fantasy Plot #2927: Got 'em!</b></h3>
Eventually, you get to the point where you see the most common plotlines aka royalty is secretly venturing out in the world of plebians to be a badass and accidentally meets potential love interest aka the main character.

<h3><b>I was expecting this to be more bloody? I did not get more bloody.</b></h3>
I got a lot of court intrigue, sass, humor, but I was expecting more blood for some reason. I got more near the end though, because Heartless are monsters after all.

<h3><b>Hold up, this is the first novel?</b></h3>
I was expecting this to be a standalone but hahaha no nice try, Sophia. Come back in the future to satiate your curiosities in book two.

<i>Bring Me Their Hearts</i> wasn't horrible if you enjoy a snarky little monster who really just wants everything to be all good and dandy (but hahaha, life isn't going to be that nice) and a nice little note tacked on the end that says, "come back soon for more!"

While I wanted a little more blood because I'm smol and evil thoughts run through my brain sometimes, this was fun to read, and I have hopes for the second novel.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-bring-me-their-hearts-by-sara-wolf-arc-review/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>