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Reborn (The Awakening Series #1)
Reborn (The Awakening Series #1)
Dean Murray | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the story of Selene, a high school girl who has inner strength and wisdom but is trying to keep her head down and be as invisible as she can be until high school is over. This is mainly because her dad works at the local factory that is owned by the father of the bane of her life, Sandra. Sandra is a bully and is content to pick on Selene. This appears as nothing more than a spoilt little rich girl to start with but, as is typical in Dean's stories, nothing is quite as it seems.

These characters are all multi-dimensional with very real fears, laughs and loves. There is no insta-love in this story (thank goodness) although there is a reconnection that is made. The back story is given to you in a drip-feed fashion so that it doesn't overpower the current story but you are still getting the information needed for a deep understanding of what is happening.

This is a gripping story that will draw you in but one warning, it does come with a cliffhanger ending that will sucker-punch you and leave you gasping. If you like paranormal romance that comes complete with intense emotion then I can highly recommend this one. Another fantastic series by Dean Murray starts with a bang!
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 28, 2016
  
LG
Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)
2022 |
7
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Rating
A couple are shopping for registration gifts for their wedding, they appear happy. This woman named tiffany, however, seems to be hiding a dark secret as she keeps having flashbacks about her holding knives dripping with blood. Other than that, her life is good. She has a career in journalism and has hopes of a promotion.

One day a film maker approaches Tiffany to Interview her on her involvement in a school shooting, she claims she wasn't involved but a quick Google search by Tiffany shows she is being blamed for being involved, she needs to decide whether or not to do the interview.

Tiffany's past comes back to haunt her in various ways. Someone calls her a psycho on her Facebook page and she bumps into her old school teacher, who we find out in flashbacks helped her after a dramatic event at a party. It is soon evident that Tiffany has anger issues and still struggling due to what happened.

The whole movie is leading up to what happened on the day of the shooting, it keeps you guessing as to whether or not she was the shooter. It takes around an hour and 13 minutes to get to the actual event but it really did need that build up.

It's not a bad movie, the acting is superb and certain scenes are difficult to watch but executed so well. If you like dramas you are sure to enjoy this one, even if it's a one time only view.
  
40x40

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2434 KP) rated Under the Radar in Books

Apr 25, 2024 (Updated Apr 25, 2024)  
Under the Radar
Under the Radar
Annette Dashofy | 2020 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can Zoe and Pete Target the Right Killer?
When Zoe Chambers is called to the scene of a shooting, she is surprised to find the shooter is Horace Pavelka, a friend from high school. Horace has confessed to shooting Dennis Culp, a man who has bullied and abused him since they were in school together. The evidence for self-defense is compelling, so Pete Adams lets Horace go. However, Horace has only been out a couple of hours when another of his tormentors winds up dead and everyone on the case seems to go missing. Can Pete find any of his suspects? Will Zoe be able to prove her friend innocent?

This author has a way of pulling you in from the first page, and this book is no exception. The book has several strong subplots that make for even more compelling reading. There was one twist I didn’t quite feel was earned, but that’s a minor issue. Things come together for a tense and logical climax. The characters are strong as always, and I love watching Zoe and Pete’s relationship deepen. This is a little darker than my typical cozies, but as long as you know this going in, you’ll be fine. Once again, we spend equal time in Zoe and Pete’s heads, allowing the suspense to grow as they work on things from different angles. Fans who haven’t read this one yet are in for a treat, and if you’ve missed this series, be sure to start it soon.
  
False Start (Big Bend Bears #3)
False Start (Big Bend Bears #3)
Nicole Dykes | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
FALSE START is the third book in the Big Bend Bears series, although I haven't read the first two. This didn't impact my enjoyment of Vaughn and Austin's story in any way.

Austin and Vaughn have been best friends for years and years. Austin has been in love with Vaughn for nearly as long. Vaughn is happy with his girlfriend, Vanessa, though and now they are leaving high school and going to university, Austin decides to break free and go to a different school. Vaughn is hurt by this and doesn't understand why until Austin shouts it at him.

Austin is a non-stereotypical nerd and Vaughn is the jock who is willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone who threatens anyone who is 'his'. Austin is also the worrier in the relationship, whereas Vaughn is very much 'take me as I am!'

This story was fast-paced with some time-hops to keep the story moving. It is also low-angst which made for an easy read. I loved the relationship Vaughn and Austin had, with how easy it was for the most part, but still had its hard and hurting times.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending it. I would definitely read more in this series, especially if Calvin gets a story!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 16, 2025